Lever-Fitting Connector Locking Projection and Convex Locked Part
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lever-fitting-type connectors suffer from half-fitting issues, where the lever is not securely locked, leading to potential power circuit interruptions due to external forces, and require visual confirmation for proper mounting, complicating the operation.
Innovation Solution
The connector design includes a housing with a locking projection featuring front and rear inclination surfaces and a ridgeline part, and a lever with a locked part that elastically deforms to engage with the locking projection, reducing friction and enhancing the recognition of fitting states through a click feeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lever is moved to the fitting completed position to close the power circuit, then the conduction is allowed, but the lever may not be securely locked (half-fitting occurs)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by providing visual indicators (colored regions visible through transparent portions) that immediately inform the operator of the lever's position and locking state. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable locking confirmation without complicating the mounting operation, as operators can visually verify proper engagement without additional steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces reliance on mechanical feel alone with a visual indication system. By substituting the purely mechanical locking verification with optical feedback through colored indicators, the system achieves both reliable locking confirmation and operational simplicity, eliminating the need for careful visual confirmation of mechanical positions.
2Ease of operation
If the lever position is not visually confirmed, then the mounting operation is simplified, but half-fitting may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides continuous visual feedback through colored indicators that show the lever's position relative to the locking state. This feedback enables operators to quickly assess fitting completeness without detailed visual confirmation of mechanical positions, maintaining operational efficiency while ensuring reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color-coded indicators (different colored regions visible through transparent portions) to represent different lever positions and locking states. This color-based information system allows operators to instantly understand fitting status, ensuring reliability without adding operational complexity.
3Reliability
If the detection terminal is positioned to close the power circuit at the fitting completed position, then conduction is allowed, but external forces may shift the lever position
Solution Approach 1:
The visual feedback system continuously monitors lever position, providing immediate indication if the lever shifts from the locked position due to external forces. This allows operators to detect and correct position shifts, maintaining power circuit stability and lever position stability through ongoing visual verification.
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 design reduces the likelihood of half-fitting, allows for easier operator recognition of fitting states, and simplifies the mounting process by providing a clear indication of complete connection, thus enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a lever with a locked part that elastically deforms to engage with the locking projection, reducing friction
Data Source
AI summary
A lever-fitting-type connector includes a housing having a first terminal and a lever having a second terminal. The housing has a locking projection. The locking projection includes a front inclination surface and a rear inclination surface respectively extending along a sliding direction of the lever, and a ridgeline part where the front and rear inclination surfaces are connected to each other. The lever includes a locked part. The locked part has a convex surface. The convex surface, when the lever slides, moves over the ridgeline part from the front inclination surface toward the rear inclination surface.