Lever Connector Lock Geometry for Incomplete Lock Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors face issues where the locking state of the lever can be inadvertently released due to external forces, making it difficult to detect the incomplete locking state, which can lead to improper fitting operations.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a first locking portion with flexible deformation and a second locking portion with an inclined surface that allows the lever to return to a lockable state, ensuring appropriate release of the locking mechanism by eliminating bending through interference and displacement of the locking surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the first locking portion is made capable of flexible deformation to allow temporary locking, then the connector can provide a temporary locking position, but the locking state may be inadvertently released due to external forces making it difficult to detect the incomplete locking state
Solution Approach 1:
The second locking surface provides tactile feedback to the operator through its inclined geometry. When the first locking portion bends due to external forces, the inclined second locking surface allows the lever to rotate slightly, creating a detectable movement that alerts the operator to the incomplete locking state. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by making the unreliable temporary locking state detectable while maintaining the adaptability of temporary locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The design anticipates potential external forces that may bend the first locking portion by providing a detection mechanism in advance. The inclined second locking surface is positioned to detect bending before it compromises the locking integrity, allowing the operator to notice and correct the incomplete locking state before proceeding with operations.
2Ease of operation
If the lever is stopped at a temporary locking position by the second locking portion, then the lever can be held in place, but external forces may cause the first locking portion to bend and the locking to be incompletely released without operator awareness
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined second locking surface creates a detectable tactile feedback mechanism. When the first locking portion bends under external forces, the lever can rotate slightly along the inclined surface, providing sensory feedback to the operator that the locking is incomplete. This resolves the detection difficulty while maintaining ease of lever positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
While not using actual color changes, the design employs a analogous principle of state indication through geometric configuration. The inclined second locking surface acts as an indicator mechanism that visually or tactilely signals the locking state, similar to how color changes indicate status in other systems.
3Productivity
If the operator rotates the lever from an incompletely locked position without noticing, then the lever moves to the main locking position, but the operator does not experience the normal release feeling, risking improper fitting
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined second locking surface provides tactile feedback that alerts the operator to the incomplete locking state before the lever is rotated to the main locking position. This feedback ensures the operator is aware of the abnormal state and can correct it, preventing improper fitting operations while maintaining productivity by avoiding rework.
Solution Approach 2:
The design prevents the harmful action of undetected improper fitting by providing preliminary detection through the inclined second locking surface. The operator receives feedback before completing the rotation, allowing corrective action to be taken beforehand, thus preventing the reliability issue of improper fitting.
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 ensures that the locking state of the lever can be appropriately released, providing a moderate feedback to the operator and ensuring proper fitting of the connector components.
Implementation Method 1
one of the housing and the lever is provided with a first locking portion capable of flexible deformation
Data Source
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AI summary
A lever (12) is supported so as to be rotatable with respect to a housing (11) to a temporary locking position and a main locking position. One of the housing (11) and the lever (12) is provided with a first locking portion (28) capable of flexible deformation, and another is provided with a second locking portion (53, 53A). The first locking portion (28) includes a first apex portion (34) and a first locking surface (32) that is connected to the first apex portion (34). The second locking portion (53, 53A) includes a second locking surface (56, 56A) that contacts the first locking portion (28) and stops the lever (12) at the temporary locking position. The second locking surface (56, 56A) includes an inclined side (58, 58A) that is disposed, in a state where the first locking portion (28) has bent due to interference between the first apex portion (34) and the second locking portion (53, 53A), so as to be inclined from the first apex portion (34) toward the first locking surface (32).