Elastically Actuated Locking Protrusion for Electrical Connector Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connector assemblies require a screwdriver for unlocking and can experience accidental unlocking due to rocker arm deformation, making them inconvenient and unreliable.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector assembly with a locking device featuring elastically actuatable interlocking members, including a protrusion and a hole, allowing for tool-free operation and stable locking, comprising a connecting piece with a protrusion and a housing with a cavity, enabling engagement and disengagement without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rocker arm with posts fixed in recesses is used for locking, then the locking function is achieved, but the operation requires a screwdriver and is laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The post is designed to be movable rather than fixed in the recess. The post can move between a first position (engaging the hole) and a second position (disengaged), enabling tool-free operation by allowing the user to manually actuate the locking and unlocking actions without requiring a screwdriver
Solution Approach 2:
The connector enables self-locking through the interaction between the movable post and the hole. The locking mechanism serves itself by automatically maintaining the locked state through the engagement of the post in the hole, and can be easily unlocked by manual manipulation of the post without external tools
2Reliability
If posts are fixed in recesses of the rocker arm, then the locking structure is simple, but accidental unlocking may occur due to deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The post is designed as a movable component that can dynamically adjust its position. This mobility allows the post to accommodate deformation of the rocker arm without losing engagement with the hole, preventing accidental unlocking while maintaining a relatively simple structure
Solution Approach 2:
The movable post design provides a buffer against deformation effects. By allowing the post to move within acceptable ranges, the system compensates for potential deformation of the rocker arm before it can cause complete disengagement or accidental unlocking
3Ease of operation
If a screwdriver is required to unlock the connector, then the locking is secure, but the operation becomes inconvenient for users
Solution Approach 1:
The movable post enables the user to manually actuate the locking and unlocking actions without requiring a screwdriver. The post can be easily manipulated by hand to move between engaged and disengaged positions, providing convenient tool-free operation while maintaining secure locking through the engagement geometry
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 solution provides a convenient, stable, and reliable locking mechanism that eliminates the need for tools and reduces material usage, resulting in a simpler and more compact design.
Implementation Method 1
One of the first interlocking member and the second interlocking member is provided with a protrusion, and the other of the first interlocking member and the second interlocking member is provided with a hole for receiving the protrusion. One of the protrusion and the hole is elastically actuatable to enable it to move between a first position in which the protrusion extends into the hole
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector assembly includes: a first module including a mounting plate and a plurality of first electrical connectors; a second module including a housing and a plurality of second electrical connectors; wherein the electrical connector assembly has a locking device including at least one first interlocking member disposed on the first module and at least one second interlocking member disposed on the second module, wherein one of the first interlocking member and the second interlocking member is provided with a protrusion, and the other of the first interlocking member and the second interlocking member is provided with a hole for receiving the protrusion, wherein one of the projection and the hole is elastically actuatable so as to lock or unlock the first module and the second module.