Lever Connector Low-Profile Locking via Z-Axis Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lever connectors have a bulky design, making it difficult to achieve a low-profile, thinner lever connector that efficiently connects and disconnects with a mating connector while maintaining operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a housing with a lever that rotates between connection and disconnection positions, utilizing a lock portion that is bendable perpendicular to the plane, and a cam mechanism that engages with the mating connector to secure the connection without increasing the lever's thickness, allowing for efficient unlocking and locking operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lever thickness is increased to provide sufficient area for locking portions, then the locking reliability is improved, but the overall profile height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking portion is designed to extend in the thickness direction (third dimension) rather than requiring increased area in the plane of the lever. This allows sufficient locking engagement area to be achieved by utilizing the Z-axis dimension, thereby maintaining a thin profile in the X-Y plane while providing reliable locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking portion is integrated within the lever structure itself, with the locking protrusion formed as part of the lever body. This nesting approach eliminates the need for separate locking components that would increase overall thickness, as the locking functionality is embedded within the existing lever geometry.
2Length of stationary object
If a resilient lock is made thin to reduce profile height, then the overall connector thickness is reduced, but the unlocking operational efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient lock is designed to deform primarily in the thickness direction (Z-axis) rather than requiring large deformation areas in the plane. This dimensional approach allows the lock to achieve sufficient resilient travel and locking force while maintaining a thin overall profile, thereby preserving both compactness and operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient lock's material properties and geometric parameters are optimized to provide adequate elasticity and locking force within a reduced thickness. By adjusting the resilient portion's dimensions and material characteristics, the lock maintains effective operational efficiency despite the reduced thickness constraint.
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 solution enables a low-profile, thinner lever connector that effectively connects and disconnects with a mating connector, ensuring secure locking and efficient operation without increasing the lever's thickness, thus addressing the need for a more compact and efficient design.
Implementation Method 1
a lock portion that is bendable in a direction perpendicular to the plane
Implementation Method 2
a cam mechanism that engages with the mating connector to secure the connection
Data Source
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AI summary
The lever comprises a main plate portion, a supporter portion, and an arm. The main plate portion is laid in parallel with a predetermined plane. The supporter portion extends from the main plate portion. The arm is supported by the supporting portion and is bendable in a predetermined direction. The predetermined direction is not equal to a direction perpendicular to the predetermined plane. The arm is provided with a first engagement portion. The housing comprises an accommodation portion and a second engagement portion. The second engagement portion is formed in the accommodation portion. The housing accommodates and rotatably supports the main plate portion in the accommodation portion so that the lever is provided with rotary movement between a first position and a second position. The lever connector is connected to the mating connector and the first engagement portion is engaged with the second engagement portion upon rotation of the lever from the first position to the second position.