Double-Lock Connector Layout for Compact Housing Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connectors tend to enlarge due to the need for space on both sides of locking structures, leading to increased size and potential interference issues.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a housing body with a deflectable and deformable lock arm and a sub lock portion that locks a mating housing, utilizing space efficiently by positioning the sub lock portion in the deflecting direction of the lock arm, allowing for double locking without enlarging the connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple locking structures are arranged side by side in the lateral direction, then the locking reliability is improved, but the connector size is enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a lateral arrangement of locking structures to a vertical stacking arrangement. The sub lock portion is positioned below the main lock arm in the vertical direction, allowing multiple locking functions to coexist without increasing the lateral footprint of the connector, thus maintaining compact size while achieving double locking reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The sub lock portion is nested within the space below the main lock arm, utilizing the vertical space that would otherwise be unused. This nesting approach allows the sub lock portion to share the same lateral envelope as the main lock arm, preventing connector enlargement while providing an additional locking mechanism
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design effectively prevents connector enlargement by utilizing space efficiently and ensures strong locking without the need for additional space, maintaining a compact size while providing excellent releasing workability.
Implementation Method 1
the lock arm is shaped to project from the housing body and be deflectable and deformable
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a housing body, a lock arm and a sub lock portion. The lock arm and the sub lock portion lock a mating housing to hold the housing body and the mating housing in a connected state. The lock arm is shaped to project from the housing body and be deflectable and deformable. The sub lock portion is arranged at a position facing the lock arm in a deflecting direction of the lock arm in the housing body.