Lever-Type Connector Assembly Stability via Surface Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lever-type connectors face instability during assembly due to point contact between support shafts and inclined surfaces, leading to potential misalignment and improper mounting.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates arm plates with inclined receiving surfaces and guide rails that allow for stable surface contact and linear displacement, ensuring proper alignment and deformation of arm plates to securely mount the lever on the housing, with a lock mechanism to restrict rotation and maintain the connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If point contact between support shafts and inclined surfaces is used, then the structure is simple, but the assembly stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from point contact (0D) to surface contact (2D) by providing inclined surfaces on the support shafts that contact the arm plates over an area rather than at a single point. This dimensional change stabilizes the lever during assembly while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Ease of manufacture
If arms are open on one side with operating portion as base, then the manufacturing is easy, but the mounting precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined surfaces are pre-formed on the support shafts during manufacturing, so that when assembly begins, the lever is automatically guided into the correct position and orientation. This preliminary preparation ensures precise mounting without complicating the manufacturing process.
3Strength
If support shafts are pushed into bearing holes against arm resilience, then the connection strength is improved, but the assembly reliability deteriorates due to displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined surfaces act as an intermediary mechanism between the support shafts and bearing holes. They provide a controlled path for the shafts to follow during insertion, mediating the force application and preventing displacement while still allowing the shafts to be pushed home against arm resilience for secure 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 stabilizes the assembly process, ensuring the lever is mounted correctly and securely connected to the housing while preventing unintended rotation, thus enhancing the reliability of the connector assembly.
Implementation Method 1
the inclined surface configured to come into surface contact with the inclined receiving surface at a ride initial position of the arm plates
Data Source
AI summary
A lever-type connector (1) includes a housing (10) and a lever (40) rotatably mounted on the housing (10) and includes two arm plates (41) coupled by an operating portion (42). The connector (1) is connectable to a mating connector by rotating the lever (40). Two support shafts (21) project from outer side surfaces (12) of the housing (10). The arm plates (41) include shaft holes (43) and start opening deformation while riding on the support shafts (21). The arm plates (41) return when the support shafts (21) fit into the shaft holes (43). Each arm plate (41) includes an inclined receiving surface (45) inclined toward the operating portion (42). An inclined surface (21A) is provided on a projecting end of the support shaft (21) and is configured to come into surface contact with the inclined receiving surface (45) at a ride initial position of the arm plates (41).