Lever-Fitting Connector Inversion Groove Minimizes Idle Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing lever-fitting-type connectors suffer from idle rotation issues, leading to unnecessary operation force and reduced operability due to the need for additional rotation beyond the fitting range.
Innovation Solution
The connector design incorporates a lever drawing-in boss, boss drawing-in groove, lever inversion groove, and inertial rotation portion to minimize idle rotations and enhance operability by allowing the lever to rotate in the opposite direction during initial insertion, reducing the force required for fitting and increasing the operational range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lever is rotated to fit the male connector into the female connector, then the fitting function is achieved, but idle rotation occurs causing unnecessary operation force and reduced operability
Solution Approach 1:
The boss drawing-in groove includes a lever inversion groove portion that causes the lever to rotate in the opposite direction (counter-clockwise) instead of the fitting rotation direction (clockwise) during initial insertion. This inversion allows the lever drawing-in boss to be drawn into the groove more efficiently, reducing idle rotation and the force needed for operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever inversion groove portion is designed to automatically draw the lever drawing-in boss into the groove during the initial insertion phase, before the main fitting operation begins. This preliminary action reduces the total rotation distance and force required during the subsequent fitting operation.
2Productivity
If the lever rotation range is reduced due to idle rotation, then the fitting operation becomes less efficient, but maintaining full rotation range increases the force required
Solution Approach 1:
The boss drawing-in groove is segmented into three distinct portions: a lever inversion groove portion for initial counter-clockwise rotation, a drawing-in groove portion for the main clockwise fitting operation, and a lever inertial rotation portion that utilizes the lever's momentum. This segmentation allows the operation to be divided into phases, reducing the force required at each stage while maintaining overall efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove geometry is designed to change parameters during operation - the lever inversion groove portion has a specific curvature that guides counter-clockwise rotation, transitioning into the drawing-in groove portion that guides clockwise rotation. This parameter change optimizes the force distribution throughout the fitting process.
3Loss of energy
If the lever drawing-in boss is drawn into the boss drawing-in groove during insertion, then idle rotation is minimized, but the groove structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lever inversion groove portion and the drawing-in groove portion are merged into a single continuous boss drawing-in groove structure on the lever. This integration reduces the number of separate components while achieving the dual function of initial inversion rotation and subsequent drawing-in rotation, thereby minimizing idle rotation without significantly increasing device complexity.
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 reduces the force needed for inserting the male connector and enhances the lever's operability by minimizing idle rotations and increasing the operational range, ensuring efficient fitting and locking mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a lever inertial rotation portion provided in between the lever inversion groove portion and the drawing-in groove portion and configured to rotate in the fitting rotation direction due to an inertial force of the lever after rotation of the lever in the opposite direction
Data Source
AI summary
A boss drawing-in groove of a lever includes: a lever inversion groove portion configured to cause the lever drawing-in boss to rotate the lever in an opposite direction opposite to a fitting rotation direction, in response to an insertion of a male connector into a hood with the lever being positioned at an initial rotation position; a drawing-in groove portion configured to guide the lever drawing-in boss by a rotating operation of the lever in the fitting rotation direction and cause the male connector to be fitted into a female connector; and a lever inertial rotation portion configured to rotate in the fitting rotation direction due to an inertial force of the lever after rotation of the lever in the opposite direction and cause the lever drawing-in boss to move to the drawing-in groove portion.