Lever Connector Locking Mechanism Prevents Inadvertent Unlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lever-type connectors can be inadvertently unlocked by wires or external objects due to the design of the lock mechanism, which allows unintended deflection of the resilient lock piece.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of entrance restricting projections on the protection walls near the unlocking portion of the lock piece, which narrow the front opening and prevent external objects, including wires, from entering and deflecting the lock piece, thereby maintaining the locked state and preventing unintended unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lock piece is made resiliently deflectable to enable unlocking operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to inadvertent deflection by external objects
Solution Approach 1:
The protection walls act as an intermediary barrier between the external environment and the lock piece. These walls physically intercept external objects (wires, fingers, debris) before they can contact and inadvertently deflect the lock piece, while still allowing the intended unlocking operation to proceed when the lever is properly manipulated.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection walls create a localized protected zone around the lock piece. This zone provides selective access - restricting entry from external directions while maintaining accessibility from the lever operating side. The structural configuration varies the openness of the structure in different spatial directions to achieve this selective protection.
2Ease of manufacture
If the front opening between protection walls is made larger to allow wire insertion, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to increased risk of inadvertent unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
The protection walls serve as an intermediary filtering structure that selectively permits or blocks access to the lock piece based on the direction and nature of the approaching object. The wall configuration allows legitimate operations while blocking inadvertent interference from external objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection walls are configured with asymmetric opening characteristics - providing adequate space for legitimate wire insertion and lever operation from the front, while restricting access from lateral and rear directions where inadvertent unlocking would occur. This asymmetric geometry optimizes both manufacturability and security.
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 solution effectively prevents the lever from being unlocked inadvertently by external objects or wires, ensuring the locked state is maintained securely until intentional release, enhancing the reliability of the connector.
Implementation Method 1
a resiliently deflectable cantilevered lock piece with an unlocking portion on a tip
Data Source
AI summary
A lever-type connector is configured so that a lock piece (65) of a lock (60) resiliently locks a locked portion (49) to hold a lever (50) at an end position when the lever (50) is rotated to the end position. The locked portion (49) is released from a locked state and the lever (50) is permitted to rotate toward an initial position by pulling up an unlocking portion (70) and forcibly deflecting the lock piece (65). Entrance restricting projections (75) project from facing surfaces of the protection walls (70) on an end position side of the unlocking portion (70) of the lock piece (65) in the lock (60).