Lever Connector Locking Recess for Space-Efficient Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lever-type connectors face issues with operability in releasing the locking state due to the projection of the base piece and lock arm, which requires a large space and makes it difficult to easily engage or disengage the locking mechanism, especially when a finger is needed to release the lock.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a housing with a base piece that stands perpendicular to the connecting direction, featuring a recess for finger insertion to disengage the lock arm and engaging portion, allowing for easy release of the locking state while maintaining high space efficiency and rigidity through a bent base piece with oblique lock arm alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the base piece and lock arm project back from the rear end of the mating connector, then the engaging portion can be formed, but a large space is required in the forward and backward connecting direction
Solution Approach 1:
The base piece is configured to stand in a direction crossing the connecting direction (perpendicular to the connecting direction) rather than projecting backward along the connecting direction. This dimensional change allows the engaging portion to be formed without increasing the length in the connecting direction, thus resolving the contradiction between engagement reliability and space efficiency.
2Reliability
If the base piece and lock arm project back from the rear end, then the engaging portion can be formed, but it becomes difficult to release the locking state as a finger cannot easily be placed on the leading end
Solution Approach 1:
The base piece stands perpendicular to the connecting direction, creating a recess at its base end that is accessible from the side. This dimensional reconfiguration allows a finger to easily access the recess and disengage the lock arm, resolving the contradiction between maintaining a reliable locking state and enabling easy release operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The recess in the base piece serves as an intermediary structure that facilitates the interaction between the user's finger and the lock arm. By providing this intermediate access point, the design enables easy release of the locking state without compromising the reliability of the locked position.
3Reliability
If the lock arm is made longer to increase engagement margin, then reliability improves, but the base piece may lose rigidity if the recess is formed
Solution Approach 1:
The base piece stands perpendicular to the connecting direction with the recess formed at its base end. This orthogonal configuration allows the lock arm to extend in the connecting direction for maximum engagement margin while the recess is formed in the perpendicular direction, thus maintaining the base piece's rigidity while enabling easy finger access for release.
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 configuration enhances operability by allowing easy release of the locking state, increases the engagement margin of the lock arm, and maintains space efficiency, ensuring the lock arm can be longer and more effective in its engagement without compromising the base piece's rigidity.
Implementation Method 1
A resiliently deformable lock arm is formed on the lever and projects substantially along a rotating direction of the lever
Implementation Method 2
The lever exhibits a force multiplying action that enables the housing to be connected to the mating connector with a small operation force
Data Source
AI summary
A lever (60) is formed with a resiliently deformable lock arm (71) projecting substantially along a rotating direction of the lever (60). A housing (20) is formed with a base piece (27) standing in a direction crossing a connecting direction to a mating connector (90). An engaging portion (35) for holding the housing (20) and the mating connector (90) in the properly connected state by being resiliently engaged with a leading end part of the lock arm (71) is formed on a leading end part of the base piece (27). A recess (33) into which a finger (50) is insertable to disengage the engaging portion (35) and the lock arm (71) is formed in a base end part of the base piece (27).