Lever Connector Locking Structure Against Unintended Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lever-type connectors face issues where the connection detecting member can be unintentionally displaced from the detection position to the standby position when a force is applied to release the connection, leading to unintended disconnection.
Innovation Solution
The connector design includes movement restricting portions on the arm portion and connection detecting member, which lock in an inclined posture to prevent displacement from the detection position to the standby position, ensuring the connection is maintained.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the connection detecting member is allowed to displace freely to detect connection completion, then the detection function is improved, but the connector may be unintentionally disconnected when force is applied to release connection
Solution Approach 1:
The connection detecting member is designed to be dynamically switchable between two states: a movable state during normal connection/disconnection operations, and a locked state when an abnormal force is detected. The movable state allows the member to displace and detect connection completion, while the locked state prevents unintended disconnection by restricting displacement even when force is applied to release connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The abnormal force detecting member acts as an intermediary between the connection detecting member and the housing. It monitors the state of the connection detecting member and, upon detecting abnormal displacement (indicating unintended release attempt), it activates the locking mechanism to prevent further displacement, thus mediating between detection functionality and connection protection.
2Ease of operation
If the lever structure is simplified for easy operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the ability to prevent unintended disconnection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lever system is segmented into functionally independent components: the lever body for operation, the connection detecting member for detection, and the abnormal force detecting member for protection. This segmentation allows the lever to remain simple for operation while the detecting members provide automated protection against unintended disconnection without requiring complex mechanical interlocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection detecting member and abnormal force detecting member are designed to automatically perform their functions without user intervention. The connection detecting member automatically detects connection completion through displacement, and the abnormal force detecting member automatically locks the connection when abnormal force is detected, eliminating the need for additional user actions to secure the connection.
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 effectively prevents unintended disconnection by restricting the displacement of the connection detecting member, even when a force is applied to release the connection, thereby ensuring the connection remains secure.
Implementation Method 1
the both connectors can be easily connected with a small force by cam action between a cam groove and a cam follower according to the rotation of the lever from an initial position to a proper connection position
Implementation Method 2
A lever-type connector is provided with a lever for assisting connection to and separation from a mating connector by the principle of leverage
Data Source
AI summary
In a lever-type connector 10, a lever 30 includes an arm portion 32 to be disposed along a side surface of a connector housing 20 and a connection detecting member 51 mounted on the arm portion 32 and displaceable between a standby position and a detection position. The arm portion 32 and the connection detecting member 51 include movement restricting portions 37, 67 for restricting the connection detecting member 51 in an inclined posture from being displaced toward the standby position by locking each other if the connection detecting member 51 is set in the inclined posture by applying a force to the arm portion 32 in a direction to release connection and for allowing a displacement of the connection detecting member 51 if the connection detecting member 51 is set in the proper posture.