Flat-Conductor Connector Automatic Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flat-conductor connectors require cumbersome operations to reinsert the flat conductor after extraction, and incorrect repositioning can prevent secure fitting connections, leading to slipping off issues.
Innovation Solution
A flat-conductor connector with a lock member and urging member that supports the locking portion to automatically return to the locking position after extraction, ensuring reliable reinsertion and secure connections through a spring piece that urges the locking portion to its locking position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the movable member is manually closed without automatic return, then the structure can be simpler, but the fitting connection may be incorrect and the flat conductor may slip off
Solution Approach 1:
The urging member automatically ensures the movable member returns to the correct close position, making the system self-correcting. This eliminates reliance on operator skill for proper positioning and ensures consistent, reliable locking engagement every time.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring piece provides mechanical feedback by maintaining constant urging force on the movable member. This continuous feedback ensures the movable member remains in the correct position and provides tactile confirmation to the operator that proper engagement has been achieved.
2Ease of operation
If a plate spring-shaped engagement piece is formed in the metal shell, then the movable member can be held at open position for one-hand extraction, but the reinsertion operation becomes troublesome
Solution Approach 1:
The urging member automatically returns the movable member to the close position without operator intervention, making the system self-servicing. This eliminates the time-consuming manual closing operation and allows rapid sequential operations of extraction and reinsertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring piece enables periodic cycling between open and close positions through automatic restoration. The elastic energy storage and release creates a rhythmic, repeatable operation cycle that speeds up repeated insertion-extraction operations.
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
Enables reliable reinsertion and maintenance of secure connections, preventing slipping off and ensuring a high-conductive connection between the flat-conductor connector and the flat conductor, while downsizing the connector structure.
Implementation Method 1
an urging member including a spring piece that urges the supporting portion so as to displace the locking portion present at the lock cancellation position to the locking position
Data Source
AI summary
In a flat-conductor connector having an automatic lock mechanism for a flat conductor, a fitting connection operation of a flat conductor is enabled to be reliably performed again after the flat conductor is extracted. A flat-conductor connector 1 includes a lock member including a slip-off stop locking surface configured to pass through a flat conductor housed in a housing chamber of a housing in the thickness direction of the flat conductor and lock the flat conductor. The lock member includes a supporting portion configured to support the slip-off stop locking surface so as to be displaceable between a locking position at which the lock member is locked with and stops the flat conductor from slipping off and a lock cancellation position at which the lock member is unlocked from the flat conductor to cause the flat conductor to be extractable from the housing chamber.