Lever Connector Slider Latch for Stable Pre-Mating Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors with lever mechanisms face issues where the operation lever can unintentionally detach from its initial position due to applied loads, reducing working efficiency during mating operations.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a slider with a deflectable catching portion that is caught by an outer housing, allowing the operation lever to be retained in a pre-turning position until temporary mating, and then deflected to enable sliding movement for final mating, using a slider with a cam groove and cam pin mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the operation lever is retained by means of a protrusion provided on a cover, then the operation lever can be simply retained, but the operation lever may be unintentionally detached from the protrusion and displaced from the initial position when load is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The catching portion is designed to be deflectable, allowing it to dynamically respond to applied loads by deforming elastically. This dynamic characteristic enables the catching portion to maintain engagement with the operation lever even under load, preventing unintended detachment while still allowing controlled release during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The catching portion utilizes elastic deformation capabilities, essentially employing a curved or flexible structural element that can bend and return to its original position. This curved/flexible design allows the catching portion to absorb stress and maintain retention force, solving the problem of lever displacement under load.
2Device complexity
If the operation lever is sufficiently retained by a protrusion, then the retaining structure is simple, but working efficiency is reduced due to unintended displacement during mating operations
Solution Approach 1:
The deflectable catching portion provides dynamic retention that adapts to operational forces, ensuring the operation lever remains securely in place during mating operations. This prevents unintended displacement and maintains working efficiency without requiring a complex retaining mechanism.
3Reliability
If a deflectable catching portion is used in the slider, then the operation lever can be stably retained in the initial position, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The catching portion is integrated directly into the slider structure, merging the retention function with the existing slider component. This eliminates the need for separate retaining mechanisms, achieving stable operation lever retention without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflectable catching portion serves multiple functions: it retains the operation lever in the initial position, allows controlled release during mating operations, and provides structural support within the slider. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, offsetting the complexity increase.
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 ensures stable retention of the operation lever in the initial position, preventing unintended displacement and enhancing the efficiency of the mating process by maintaining the lever in place until the connector is fully mated.
Implementation Method 1
The slider includes a catching portion adapted to deflect at a predetermined position and to be caught by the catching portion of the outer housing
Implementation Method 2
Turning operation of this operation lever causes a cam pin of the mating connector to move along a cam groove formed in the slider, thereby mating the connector and the mating connector
Data Source
AI summary
A connector adapted to mate with a mating connector includes an outer housing, a slider, and an operation lever. The outer housing is adapted to receive the mating connector, and includes a catching portion. The slider is provided in the outer housing and is slidingly movable in a predetermined direction. The slider includes a catching portion adapted to deflect at a predetermined position and to be caught by the catching portion of the outer housing. The operation lever is combined with the slider and is adapted to be turned between a pre-turning first position and a post-turning second position. The slider is slidingly movable with the turning of the operation lever. The catching portion of the slider and the operation lever in the first position can be caught on the caught portion of the outer housing.