Lever Connector Cam Groove Locking Without Added Mechanisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lever-type connectors are large due to the need for a separate locking mechanism to maintain the fitting state, which increases their size.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a housing with a rotatable lever forming an obliquely extending cam groove and a biasing unit that holds a cam follower in a normal fitting state, eliminating the need for a separate locking mechanism by using the cam groove and spring unit to lock the fitting state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate locking mechanism is provided to maintain the fitting state, then the locking reliability is improved, but the connector size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is merged with the fitting structure itself. The cam groove and cam follower mechanism that performs the fitting operation also serves as the locking mechanism. When the lever is rotated to complete the fitting, the cam follower engages with the cam groove to automatically lock the connection, eliminating the need for a separate locking mechanism and reducing connector size.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam groove structure serves multiple functions: it guides the cam follower during insertion (fitting function), and simultaneously acts as a locking mechanism when the lever is rotated (locking function). This multi-functionality allows the same structural element to perform both fitting and locking, thereby reducing the overall connector size while maintaining reliable locking.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a locking mechanism is added to hold the fitting state, then the fitting state stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is integrated into the existing cam groove and cam follower mechanism. The same components that enable fitting also provide locking through their geometric relationship. When the lever is rotated, the cam follower engages with the cam groove to lock the fitting state, eliminating the need for additional locking components and reducing mechanism complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam groove and cam follower mechanism automatically locks the fitting state through its own geometric structure without requiring external locking components. The rotation of the lever causes the cam follower to engage with the cam groove, which self-locks the fitting state, thereby maintaining stability without increasing device 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 connector maintains the fitting state with the mating connector while preventing an increase in size, ensuring a secure and compact connection.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing unit that is provided in the housing and biases the lever toward an opposite side of the mating connector via the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a housing, a lever, and a spring unit, in which the cam groove is provided such that a cam follower is to be inserted through the cam groove, the cam groove being formed by connecting a half-fitting region and a normal fitting region, the half-fitting region is formed so as to approach a rotation center position of the lever from an inlet position toward a boundary position with the normal fitting region, the normal fitting region is formed so as to be away from the rotation center position from the boundary position toward a fitting end position, the cam follower is configured to be pressed against the cam groove by biasing of the spring unit and held at the fitting end position.