Lever Connector Lock Arm Shielding Against Unintended Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lever-type connectors are prone to deformation of the latching plate due to unexpected external forces, necessitating an improvement in design to enhance stability and prevent unintended rotation.
Innovation Solution
The connector design includes a connector housing with a lock arm protected by a peripheral wall, a lock protrusion engaged with the lever at the initial position, and a peripheral wall covering the arm portion to prevent deformation, while maintaining the lever's holding force and restricting unintended rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the latching plate is made flexible to enable lever rotation, then the lever can rotate from initial position to fitting completion position, but the latching plate becomes vulnerable to deformation from external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional zones: the flexible latching plate for lever rotation, the rigid peripheral wall for protection, and the lock arm mechanism for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its properties without compromising others.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the connector have different mechanical properties: the latching plate is made flexible in the specific region where lever engagement occurs, while the peripheral wall is made rigid to provide structural support and protection against external forces.
2Ease of operation
If the lock arm is exposed to provide easy access for lever engagement, then the lever can be easily operated, but the lock arm becomes susceptible to unexpected deformation from external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The peripheral wall acts as a protective shell that encloses the lock arm, providing mechanical protection against external forces while allowing the lock arm to maintain its flexible functionality for lever engagement.
3Reliability
If the peripheral wall is added to cover the lock arm, then the lock arm is protected from external forces, but the connector size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The peripheral wall is integrated with the existing connector housing structure, merging the protective function with the structural framework. This combination allows the peripheral wall to provide protection without adding significant volume, as it utilizes the existing spatial arrangement of the connector.
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 design effectively prevents deformation of the lock arm due to external forces and ensures reliable retention of the lever at the fitting completion position without increasing the connector's size, enhancing stability and design flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a lock arm (43) that has an arm portion (44) which is flexibly disposed on the first lever attachment surface (11D1)
Implementation Method 2
a lever (80) that is attached to the connector housing (10) such that the lever (80) can rotate from an initial position to a fitting completion position
Data Source
AI summary
A lever-type connector includes: a connector housing that has a fitting surface and a first lever attachment surface different from the fitting surface and is fitted to a partner connector, a front holder that has a front wall disposed along the fitting surface and a peripheral wall extending from the front wall and disposed along the first lever attachment surface, and a lever that is attached to the connector housing such that it can rotate from an initial position to a fitting completion position, the connector housing includes: a first lock arm that has the first arm portion flexibly disposed on the first lever attachment surface and the first lock protrusion that protrudes from the first arm portion, and is engaged with the lever when the lever is at the initial position, and the peripheral wall covers the first arm portion.