Flat Cable Connector With Rear Hypotenuse Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors damage flat cables when the leading end is inserted at an incline due to the design of engaging protrusions, which can also lead to accidental detachment.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a housing with an insertion slot and lock members, including a spring member with an inclined edge portion that gradually decreases in distance from the center, allowing for safe insertion and locking of flat cables without damage, even when inserted at an angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the engaging protrusion has a front hypotenuse design, then the lock member can engage the flat cable securely, but the flat cable becomes damaged when inserted at an incline
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional engagement mechanism by replacing the front hypotenuse design with a rear hypotenuse design on the engaging protrusion. This inversion allows the flat cable to slide along the inclined surface during insertion without causing damage, while still achieving secure engagement. The rear hypotenuse enables the cable to be guided into proper position before locking, eliminating the damage issue while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the engaging protrusion by modifying the hypotenuse position from front to rear. This parameter change alters the interaction between the cable and lock member during insertion, allowing the cable to follow the inclined surface smoothly and be properly positioned before engagement, thereby preventing damage while ensuring secure locking.
2Device complexity
If the engaging protrusion uses a simple triangular design, then the connector configuration remains simple, but the cable may become inadvertently detached
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the hypotenuse position to the rear of the engaging protrusion, creating a dual-function design where the same simple structure provides both insertion guidance and anti-detachment capability. The rear hypotenuse allows the cable to be pushed in during insertion while the front portion maintains engagement, preventing accidental detachment without increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging protrusion with rear hypotenuse design serves multiple functions: it guides the cable during insertion, enables secure engagement, and prevents accidental detachment. This multi-functional design maintains structural simplicity while enhancing reliability, as the same geometric feature performs multiple protective roles throughout the cable's operational cycle.
3Ease of operation
If the lock member allows easy insertion, then the ease of operation improves, but the cable may become damaged during inclined insertion
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the hypotenuse to the rear position, the patent enables the cable to slide along the inclined surface during insertion without damage. This design allows operators to insert the cable easily at various angles while the rear hypotenuse guides it into proper position, maintaining ease of operation while eliminating the damage risk associated with front hypotenuse designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The rear hypotenuse performs preliminary guidance action during insertion, preparing the cable for proper engagement before the locking mechanism activates. This preliminary action occurs automatically during the insertion process, allowing easy operation while preventing damage by guiding the cable into the correct position before full engagement.
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 connector ensures reliable and secure connection of flat cables without damage, simplifies configuration, reduces costs, and enhances reliability by preventing detachment and damage during inclined insertion.
Implementation Method 1
the spring member having a free end vertically displaceable with respect to the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a housing, terminals and a lock member. The housing has an insertion slot for inserting a flat cable having an engaging protruding portion projecting outward in the transverse direction. The terminals are mounted in the housing for establishing an electrical connection with conductive wires in the flat cable. The lock member is mounted on the housing for locking a flat cable inserted into the insertion slot. The lock member includes a spring member having a free end vertically displaceable with respect to the housing and an engaging protrusion connected to the free end of the spring member. The engaging protrusion has an inclined edge portion formed in the front in the insertion direction of the flat cable. The inclined edge portion is inclined relative to the insertion direction of the flat cable when viewed from above.