Lever Fitting Connector Jig Guide Fulcrum Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lever fitting-type connectors require significant operation space for thumb operation, making compact design and efficient connecting/disconnecting challenging, especially when connectors are arranged in juxtaposed manner, and impose heavy burden on operators due to the need for thumb-based operation.
Innovation Solution
A lever fitting-type connector with a lock arm and dual retaining cancellation structures: one for finger operation and another using a retaining cancellation jig that intersects the lock arm's pressing direction, allowing cancellation without needing thumb operation space, utilizing a jig guide that serves as a lever fulcrum for leverage-based cancellation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional lever fitting-type connector uses a lock arm protected by a cover portion, then the lock arm is protected from inadvertent operation, but the connector requires significant operation space for thumb operation, preventing compact design
Solution Approach 1:
A retaining cancellation jig is introduced as an intermediary tool to interact with the lock arm through the cover portion. The jig includes a pressing portion that contacts the lock arm and a pressing surface that receives external force, enabling operation without direct thumb contact and eliminating the need for large operation space while maintaining protection functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from direct linear pressing (thumb pressing lock arm laterally) to a combined pressing and inserting motion (jig inserted through cover and pressing lock arm). This dimensional change allows the operation to occur through the cover portion rather than requiring lateral space, enabling compact connector design
2Reliability
If the lock arm is protected by a cover portion that allows operation only from the arm-pressing direction, then inadvertent operation is prevented, but the connector design becomes complex and operation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cover portion is designed to serve multiple functions: it protects the lock arm from inadvertent operation, guides the retaining cancellation jig during insertion, and provides a pressing surface for the jig. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate protective structures and simplifies the overall connector design
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining cancellation jig acts as an intermediary that interfaces with both the cover portion and the lock arm. It transfers force from the external pressing surface through the cover to the lock arm, enabling controlled operation while maintaining the protective function of the cover
3Ease of operation
If thumb operation is required to cancel the retained condition by pressing the lock arm, then the locking mechanism can be released, but the operator burden increases due to the need for precise manual manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining cancellation jig serves as a mechanical intermediary that amplifies and directs the operator's force onto the lock arm. By providing a larger pressing surface and leverage, it reduces the dexterity requirements and physical effort needed compared to direct thumb pressing, thereby improving operator efficiency
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
Enables compact design and reduces operator burden by allowing cancellation of the retained condition with less force, enhancing operation efficiency and allowing closer spacing of connectors, thus achieving a more compact equipment layout.
Implementation Method 1
jig guide serving as a lever fulcrum for the retaining cancellation jig
Data Source
AI summary
A lever fitting-type connector has a lock arm for retaining a lever, the lock arm being provided at a connector housing. The lever fitting-type connector includes, in addition to a first retaining cancellation structure for canceling a retained condition of the lever by the finger, a second retaining cancellation structure for canceling the retained condition by inserting a retaining cancellation jig in a direction intersecting a direction of pressing of the lock arm and then by operating the jig. The second retaining cancellation structure includes a jig guide serving as a lever fulcrum for the retaining cancellation jig.