Lever Connector Dual-Lock Release Against Vibration Unlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lever-type connectors are prone to unintended unlocking due to loose elements accidentally deflecting the locking arm in vibrating environments, such as vehicles.
Innovation Solution
The lever-type connector incorporates two locking arms with different release directions, requiring simultaneous deflection in opposite or diverging directions to unlock, and includes a CPA element to ensure deliberate operation and a click mechanism for secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single locking arm is used to hold the lever in the set position, then the structure is simple and easy to operate, but the connector is prone to unintended unlocking in vibrating environments
Solution Approach 1:
The single locking arm is divided into two separate locking arms (first locking arm and second locking arm), each capable of independently engaging the lever. This segmentation ensures that unintended unlocking requires simultaneous deflection of both locking arms, which is highly improbable in vibrating environments, thereby significantly improving reliability while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the locking arm is easily deflectable for simple unlocking operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the security against accidental unlocking is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into two independently deflectable locking arms. Each locking arm can be deflected for unlocking, maintaining ease of operation, but both must be deflected simultaneously to achieve unlocking, which prevents accidental unlocking from single-direction vibrations or loose elements.
3Reliability
If locking arms are deflected in the same direction for release, then the structure is simple, but unintended unlocking can occur from loose elements in vibrating environments
Solution Approach 1:
The two locking arms are configured to deflect in different directions (first locking arm deflects in a first direction, second locking arm deflects in a second direction) to engage and disengage from the lever. This asymmetric configuration ensures that vibrations or loose elements can only deflect one locking arm at a time, preventing unintended unlocking while maintaining a relatively simple structural implementation.
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
Enhances security against accidental unlocking by ensuring deliberate operation and providing a visual indication of full mating, thereby preventing unintended disconnection.
Implementation Method 1
the locking arm is elastically deflected toward the inside of the wire cover into a release position
Implementation Method 2
the locking arm is elastically restored toward the outside of the wire cover, and locks the lever
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Lever-type connector comprising: a connector housing (2) configured to receive electric terminals and to be fitted with a mating housing (3), a lever (6) pivotably mounted to the connector housing (2) between a pre-set position and a set position for fitting the connector housing (2) with the mating housing (3), a first locking arm (11) provided on the connector housing (2), engaging and holding the lever (6) in the set position, the first locking arm (11) being deflectable in a first release direction (R1) to a first release position, in which the lever (6) is disengaged from the first locking arm (11), characterized in that the lever-type connector (1) further comprises a second locking arm (12) provided on the connector housing (2) engaging and holding the lever (6) in the set position, the second locking arm (12) being deflectable in a second release direction (R2) different from the first release direction (R!) to a second release position, in which the lever (6) is disengaged from the second locking arm (12).