Lever-Type Connector Backlash Suppression via Segmented Side Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lever-type connectors experience backlash and reliability issues due to external forces like vibration or shock, leading to abnormal noise and loosening of the engagement with the mating connector.
Innovation Solution
The connector design includes lever-disengagement prevention portions, backlash-eliminating protrusions, and a cam mechanism that ensures the lever is securely locked and prevents rattling, using a combination of side plates, operating portions, and lock portions to maintain a stable fit even under external forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lever is pivotally mounted on the housing to enable rotation for connector fitting, then the connector can be fitted with low insertion force, but the lever rattles with respect to the housing under external forces such as vibration or shock, generating abnormal noise and loosening engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The lever is divided into multiple functional segments: side plates for pivotal mounting, operating portion for user interaction, and lock portion for engagement. The side plates are further segmented with vibration suppressor protrusions that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while reducing overall backlash and improving reliability under vibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration suppressor protrusions are pre-positioned on the side plates before assembly, and the lever is designed to automatically contact these protrusions during normal operation. This preliminary positioning ensures that when vibration or shock occurs, the protrusions immediately engage to suppress rattling without requiring additional active components or user intervention.
2Ease of operation
If the lever is designed to rotate freely for operation, then the lever is easy to operate, but backlash occurs between the lever and housing, causing noise and engagement loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration suppressor protrusions act as intermediary elements between the lever's rotating side plates and the housing. These protrusions provide controlled contact points that mediate the interaction between moving and stationary parts, allowing necessary rotation while suppressing harmful backlash and noise generation during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A lever-type connector includes a housing configured to be inserted and removed from a mating housing of a mating connector and a lever. The lever is pivotally operable between a temporary locking position and a fitting completion position of the lever. The lever includes a pair of side plates and an operating portion. A lock portion is provided on the housing. Lever disengagement prevention portions are provided on both sides of the housing so as to cover at least respective parts of the side plates of the lever positioned at the fitting completion position from outside.