Lever Connector Locking Stability and Release Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lever-type connectors in the automobile industry face issues with unintentional release of the locking mechanism, leading to unstable mating connections and poor lock-releasing properties, which can damage the connector and reduce operator efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A lever-type connector design featuring a release portion with a second plate spring portion and a releasing projection portion that allows for easy release of the locking mechanism by pushing the projection inward and rotating the lever, improving the lock-releasing properties and preventing unintentional releases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lock member is used to prevent lever rotation at the mating end position, then the connector maintains stable mating, but external force may unintentionally release the locking
Solution Approach 1:
The lock member is divided into a locking portion and a release portion that are spatially separated. The locking portion engages with the lever at the mating end position, while the release portion is positioned to be accessible from the rear side. This segmentation allows the locking function to remain secure while providing a dedicated interface for intentional release, preventing unintentional release from the front side.
Solution Approach 2:
A plate spring mechanism acts as an intermediary between the release operation portion and the locking portion. When the release operation portion is pushed, the plate spring transmits this force to the locking portion, causing it to disengage from the lever. This intermediary mechanism ensures that only deliberate rearward pushing actions can release the lock, while normal front-side forces cannot trigger release.
2Reliability
If the locking mechanism is made secure against external force, then unintentional release is prevented, but the release operation becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The plate spring mechanism automatically translates the simple pushing motion of the release operation portion into the complex sequence of movements required to disengage the locking portion from the lever. The spring itself stores and releases energy to facilitate the release motion, eliminating the need for complex manual manipulation while maintaining secure locking.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the lever is locked at the mating completion position, then the connector is protected during transportation, but the lock-releasing properties are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The release operation portion is positioned on the rear surface of the wire cover, creating a spatial separation between the locked state (visible from front) and the release mechanism (accessible from rear). This dimensional change allows the lever to remain securely locked during transportation while providing an easy-to-access release interface from the opposite side, improving lock-releasing properties without compromising transportation protection.
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 enhances the lock-releasing properties of the lever, allowing for efficient and stable operation by enabling the lever to be released with a simple push and rotation, reducing the risk of unintentional unlocking and improving operator safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first plate spring portion (27a) extending from the wire cover (20) to the right side in the left-to-right direction; locked portions (27b) arranged at an end portion of the first plate spring portion (27a) and for locking the lock pieces (35), respectively; a second plate spring portion (36a) extending from the connection portion (33) to the right side in the left-to-right direction
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A lever-type connector in which locking of a lever by a lock member is more easily unlocked. The lever-type connector (1) has an engaging piece (35) provided at a connecting section (33) of a lever (30), a lock member (27) provided at the rear face of a wire cover (20), and an unlocking section (36) provided at the connecting section (33) . The lock member (27) has a first plate spring section (27a) and an engaging section (27b) which is provided at the front end of the first plate spring section (27a) and locks the engaging piece (35). The unlocking section (36) has a second plate spring section (36a) and also has an unlocking protrusion (36b) extending outward from the front end of the second plate spring section (36a). When the unlocking protrusion (36b) is pushed inward with the engaging piece (35) locked by the engaging section (27b), the front end of the second plate spring section (36a) pushes inward the front end of the first plate spring section (27a).