Lever-Type Connector Lock Portion Flexural Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In lever-type connectors, it is difficult to distinguish between completely and incompletely fitted states due to minimal interference at near-fitted angles, leading to potential incorrect attachment and dislodgment of connectors from the panel.
Innovation Solution
The connector design incorporates a lock portion that can be flexurally deformed to allow or block insertion based on the lever's turning position, using deformation allowing and blocking parts to ensure correct fitting and secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lever turning angle is close to the completely fitted state angle, then the interference portion interference with hole edge becomes small, but the connectors may be fitted into the attachment hole in an incompletely fitted state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lever as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the connectors and the attachment hole. The lever includes a lock portion that interacts with the hole edge to detect and ensure complete fitting. This intermediary component provides reliable feedback about the fitting state without requiring direct interference between the connectors and hole edge, solving the detection reliability problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct mechanical interference detection system with a lever-based mechanical system. Instead of relying on the connectors directly interfering with the hole edge, the lever's lock portion serves as a mechanical indicator that translates the fitting state into detectable positional information, improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation.
2Ease of manufacture
If the elastic retaining piece is designed to be elastically deformed by the hole edge, then the connectors can be attached to the attachment hole, but the connectors may come off the attachment hole if deformed by external force after attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the attachment function into two distinct components: the elastic retaining piece for initial attachment and the lock portion for secure locking. The retaining piece allows easy insertion through elastic deformation, while the lock portion provides permanent securing by engaging with the hole edge. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between ease of attachment and attachment strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic retaining piece performs a preliminary attachment action by being elastically deformed to pass through the hole edge and then recovering to hold the connectors in place. This preliminary action facilitates easy attachment, after which the lock portion performs the final securing action to prevent dislodgment, thus resolving the strength issue.
3Measurement precision
If the interference portion is used to prevent incompletely fitted connectors from being attached, then the fitted state can be detected, but the interference is insufficient when lever angle is near the completely fitted state
Solution Approach 1:
The lever acts as an intermediary detection mechanism that amplifies and clarifies the fitting state. The lock portion of the lever provides a clear binary state (engaged or disengaged from the hole edge) that precisely indicates whether the connectors are completely fitted. This intermediary approach improves detection precision without significantly increasing device complexity, as the lever integrates seamlessly with the existing connector structure.
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
This design effectively prevents incompletely fitted connectors from being attached and ensures they remain securely attached by allowing or blocking flexural deformation of the lock portion based on the lever's position, enhancing the reliability of the fitting process.
Implementation Method 1
a lock portion which is flexurally deformed toward its inner surface side and inserted through the attachment hole in the course of attaching the connectors to the attachment hole
Implementation Method 2
the elastic retaining piece is designed to be elastically deformed by the hole edge of the attachment hole when the lever-type connector is fitted into the attachment hole
Data Source
AI summary
This lever-type connector (1) having: a first connector (11); a second connector (21); and a lever (31) that fits the connectors (11, 21) together by being rotated. The first connector (11) has an engagement lock part (14) that is inserted through an attachment hole (52) by being bent and deformed toward the inner surface side at the time of attaching the first connector to the attachment hole (52). The lever (31) has an arm part (32) that is located on the inner surface side of the first connector (11) during the rotation of the lever (31). The arm part (32) has: a deformation permitting part (37) that permits the bending deformation thereof when the lever (31) is at a rotation position where the connectors (11, 21) are in a half-fitted state; and a deformation preventing part (36) that prevents the bending deformation thereof.