Lock Arm Connector Structure That Shields Deflection Space

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connectors face issues where external matters can hinder the resilient displacement of lock arms due to open deflection allowance spaces, leading to potential bulkiness and operational interference.

Innovation Solution

A connector design featuring a lock arm extending rearward with a deflection allowance space covered by a projecting covering portion from behind, preventing external intrusion while maintaining a reduced height and ensuring unobstructed operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If an arch portion is arranged on the outer surface side of the lock arm to cover the deflection allowance space, then external matters are prevented from entering the space, but the connector becomes bulky

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of external matter intrusionVSAvoidconnector height

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The covering portion is repositioned from the outer surface side (vertical dimension) to the rear side (depth dimension) of the lock arm. This dimensional shift allows the covering function to be achieved without increasing the connector's height, as the covering portion now extends in the rearward direction rather than outward from the surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of covering the lock arm from the front/outer surface side, the solution inverts the approach by covering it from the rear side. The covering portion is formed to extend rearward from the outer surface, flipping the conventional covering direction and achieving protection without height increase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If the deflection allowance space is left open to allow lock arm displacement, then the lock arm can resiliently displace properly, but external matters can enter and hinder the displacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelock arm resilient displacementVSAvoidexternal matter intrusion

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The covering portion is designed with selective coverage - it covers the deflection allowance space from the rear side to prevent external matter intrusion, while deliberately leaving the outer surface side open. This local differentiation allows the space to remain accessible for proper lock arm displacement while providing protection from harmful external factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The covering portion acts as an intermediary structure that mediates between the need for open access (for displacement) and the need for protection (from external matters). By positioning it at the rear side rather than blocking the front, it allows legitimate operations while filtering out harmful intrusions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12512620B2Connector

Publication Date: 2025.12.30 AUTONETWORKS TECH LTD

AI summary

It is aimed to prevent a resilient displacement of a lock arm from being hindered while achieving a height reduction. A connector (A) is provided with a connector housing (20) and a lock arm (25) extending rearward along an outer surface of the connector housing (20). A deflection allowance space (30) for enabling the lock arm (25) to be resiliently displaced in a direction approaching the outer surface of the connector housing (20) is provided between the outer surface of the connector housing (20) and the lock arm (25). The connector housing (20) is formed with a covering portion (36) for covering the lock arm (25) from behind by projecting from the outer surface of the connector housing (20).