Flexible Locking Lance Connector for Scraping Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors face issues with the scraping of locking tabs due to repeated connections, as the locking tab rides over the lock claw, leading to stress and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a flexible locking lance cantilevered on a connection detecting member, which is resiliently displaced to alleviate stress on its tip, preventing scraping by locking and releasing mechanisms that allow the lance to slide against the inner wall of the housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the locking tab rides over the lock claw during repeated connections, then the connection can be made and broken, but the locking tab is scraped and damaged due to sliding friction
Solution Approach 1:
The locking lance is designed to be flexible rather than rigid, allowing it to dynamically adapt its position during connection and disconnection operations. The lance bends to follow the contour of the locking portion inner wall, transforming the rigid sliding contact into a flexible conforming contact that reduces friction and wear on the locking tab.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking lance changes its physical state from rigid to flexible by being made of elastomeric material. This parameter change allows the lance to deform elastically during operation, absorbing the sliding friction forces and preventing damage to the locking tab while maintaining effective locking functionality.
2Reliability
If the locking lance is made flexible to prevent scraping, then the tip stress is reduced, but the locking mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible locking lance is self-contained and self-actuating. It automatically bends and follows the locking portion inner wall contour during connection, and automatically returns to its original position during disconnection, without requiring external control mechanisms or additional components. The elastomeric material's inherent elasticity provides the self-service functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking and detection functions are merged into a single flexible locking lance component. The lance simultaneously performs locking by engaging the locking portion and detecting connection status through its displacement, eliminating the need for separate locking and detection mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity.
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 resilient displacement of the locking lance reduces stress on its tip, preventing scraping and ensuring smooth operation by releasing the locking mechanism, thus enhancing the durability and reliability of connector connections.
Implementation Method 1
The locking lance is displaced resiliently when the connection detecting member is displaced from the connection assurance release position to the connection assurance position so that the locking of the connection detecting member is released. Thus, a stress applied to the tip of the locking lance can be alleviated
Data Source
AI summary
A connector (10) includes a housing (20) and a separate connection detecting member (60). The connection detecting member (60) has a flexible and cantilevered locking lance (66). The housing (20) has a locking portion (38) with an opening and capable of locking the connection detecting member (60) by a projection (70) of the locking lance (66) coming into contact with an inner wall of the locking portion (38). The connection detecting member (60) is relatively displaceable between a connection assurance position and a connection assurance release position. When the connection detecting member (60) is displaced from the connection assurance release position to the connection assurance position, the projection (70) of the locking lance (66) slides against the inner wall of the locking portion (38) and the locking lance (66) is displaced resiliently to release the locking of the connection detecting member (60).