Lever Connector Locking Structure for Vibration-Resistant Mating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connector devices used in vibration environments experience degradation in quality and connection performance due to relative movement between components, leading to issues like rubbing and scraping.
Innovation Solution
A connector device design featuring a first and second connector with lugs and a lever that undergoes rotation and sliding operations, ensuring close contact between the lugs and the lever's groove to minimize backlash and prevent relative movement, optionally incorporating a locking mechanism for secure holding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the connector uses a lever mechanism for fitting and separation, then the operation convenience is improved, but relative movement between components occurs causing rubbing and scraping in vibration environments
Solution Approach 1:
The lever mechanism is segmented into distinct functional zones: a rotation operation zone for fitting/separation and a sliding operation zone for locking. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function independently, reducing unwanted relative movement between components while maintaining operational convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever is designed to perform sequential dynamic operations: first rotating to achieve fitting or separation, then sliding to lock or release the locking mechanism. This dynamic multi-stage movement ensures that components are securely positioned during operation, preventing rubbing and scraping in vibration environments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the lever is designed to rotationally and linearly move, then the fitting and separation functionality is improved, but backlash between components increases leading to rattling
Solution Approach 1:
A locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the lever and the connector housing. The locking mechanism includes a locking piece that engages with a locking hole, providing a stable connection that eliminates backlash and prevents rattling while the lever performs its rotation and sliding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever's sliding operation automatically engages or disengages the locking mechanism. When the lever slides to a predetermined position, the locking piece automatically enters or exits the locking hole, providing self-service locking that maintains component stability without requiring additional manual intervention.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A lever of a connector can rotate between a first position and a second position and can slide between the second position and a third position. When the lever is rotated to the second position in a state in which the connector whose lever is on the first position is on a fitting preparation position with respect to a mating connector, the connector is drawn to a fitting position, which is closer to the mating connector, by a cam mechanism and a main terminal of the connector and a mating main terminal of the mating connector are connected with each other. When the lever is slid to the third position, a flange portion provided to a housing of the connector and a mating flange portion provided to a mating housing of the mating connector are accommodated in a groove portion of the lever in a manner to be in close contact with each other and thereby are held by the lever.