Flexible Lock Arm Segmentation for Connector Engagement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional connectors with reduced size and lower height fail to ensure sufficient engagement of the female connector housing with the fitting detection member, leading to accidental disengagement due to limited deformation of the flexible lock arm.

Innovation Solution

The connector design includes a flexible lock arm with a first arm extending towards an inflection point and a second arm from the inflection point towards the rear, along with a fulcrum projection and supporting portion, allowing for increased deformation and effective engagement with a housing cover, and tapered retaining surfaces for enhanced stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the connector size and height are reduced, then the compactness is improved, but the engagement reliability deteriorates due to limited deformation of the flexible lock arm

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector sizeVSAvoidengagement reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible lock arm is divided into multiple segments: a first arm extending from the stay portion toward the front, a second arm extending from the inflection point toward the rear, and a retaining projection. This segmentation allows each segment to contribute differently to the engagement mechanism, enabling sufficient deformation capability even in a compact connector design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible lock arm is designed with a specific spatial configuration where the first arm and second arm extend in different directions from the stay portion, creating an inflection point. This three-dimensional arrangement maximizes the deformation capability within the limited space of a compact connector, allowing the retaining projection to effectively engage with the housing cover.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the flexible lock arm deformation is increased to ensure sufficient engagement, then the engagement reliability is improved, but the connector height increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengagement reliabilityVSAvoidconnector height

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible lock arm exhibits different deformation characteristics at different locations: the first arm extends toward the front with sufficient flexibility to engage the housing cover, while the second arm extends toward the rear with controlled deformation. The inflection point between them allows the arm to bend efficiently within a compact height, providing local flexibility where needed without increasing overall connector height.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible lock arm is designed to dynamically adjust its shape during engagement: when the connector housing engages with the housing cover, the first arm deforms to allow the retaining projection to snap into place, then the inflection point allows the second arm to flex appropriately. This dynamic deformation behavior ensures reliable engagement without requiring excessive static height.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If the stay portion thickness is increased to provide structural support, then the structural strength is improved, but the deformation capability of the flexible lock arm deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoiddeformation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The stay portion is designed with optimized local thickness that provides sufficient structural support at the fulcrum point while allowing the first arm and second arm to deform appropriately. The thickness is concentrated where needed for strength (at the stay portion base) while the arms maintain flexibility for engagement, achieving both structural integrity and deformation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

This configuration ensures more reliable and effective engagement of the connector housing with the housing cover, preventing accidental disengagement and providing a secure connection.

Implementation Method 1

The flexible lock arm is displaceable in a seesaw-like manner with a stay portion upstanding from the housing main body acting as a fulcrum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the retention reinforcement portion flexibly deforming the front end of the flexible lock arm when the cylindrical portion is moved toward a detachment direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS7559787B2Connector having a female connector housing and a housing cover

Publication Date: 2009.07.14 YAZAKI CORP

AI summary

A flexible lock arm has a first arm which extends from a stay portion to an inflection point of the first arm on a front side of a terminal along a length direction indicated by arrow Y1 and a second arm which extends from the inflection point of the first arm to a rear end viewed from a stay portion. A first retaining projection is provided on the second arm.