LIF Connector with Self-Guiding Projections and Integrated Lever
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LIF connectors require high insertion force, complex assembly processes, and numerous components, leading to inefficiencies and increased size, making them difficult to attach and assemble without specialized tools.
Innovation Solution
A compact LIF connector design featuring a first connector with projections and guides that automatically rotate during attachment, reducing the need for jigs and minimizing component count by integrating the lever member as a connector holder, allowing for easy assembly and reduced size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lever member is made large in size to avoid interfering with the lock portion, then the connector becomes large in size
Solution Approach 1:
The lock portion is designed to be movable along the insertion direction before the lever member is attached. This preliminary positioning action allows the lock portion to be out of the way during lever member attachment, eliminating the need for excessive lever member size to avoid interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock portion is designed with dynamic movement capability along the insertion direction, allowing it to change position based on operational requirements. This dynamic adjustment enables compact lever member design while maintaining functional reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If the fulcrum bosses project from the connector housing, then the lever member can be attached, but the attaching operation requires high skill and low efficiency without a jig
Solution Approach 1:
The fulcrum boss guide holes are designed with tapered surfaces that automatically guide the fulcrum bosses into correct positions during insertion. This self-guiding mechanism eliminates the need for jigs and reduces the skill level required for attachment, thereby improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide holes incorporate tapered surfaces that change the geometric parameters during insertion, providing automatic alignment and positioning. This parameter change enables easy attachment without specialized tools or high skill levels.
3Reliability
If the connector comprises four separate members (connector holder, first connector, second connector, and lever member), then the LIF mechanism functions, but the number of component parts increases assembly time and labor
Solution Approach 1:
The lever member is integrated with the connector holder to form a unified structure. This merging reduces the component count from four separate members to fewer integrated parts, thereby reducing assembly time and labor while maintaining the LIF mechanism's functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated lever member-connector holder structure performs multiple functions: it provides the LIF mechanism leverage, serves as the connector holder, and maintains structural support. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector comprising a first connector provided with a first projection and a second projection on an outer surface thereof; and a frame including a wall portion defining an opening, the wall portion provided with a first guide running in a direction and a second guide on an inner surface thereof, wherein the first connector is inserted into the frame through the opening along the direction while the first projection is guided by the first guide and the second projection is guided by the second guide, and at least a part of a distance between the first guide and the second guide shortens along the direction.