Lock Arm Connector Structure for Protected Unlock Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In connectors with a lock arm on the outer surface of the housing, the operating portion for unlocking is often contacted by a finger during connection, leading to interference and a lack of tactile feedback when properly connected, making it difficult to determine if the connectors are securely joined.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a housing with a lock arm and a rear member that includes a covering portion to protect the operating portion, allowing the lock arm to be displaced using a jig through an operating hole, ensuring the operating portion is not contacted by fingers or external matter, and providing a resilient locking mechanism to secure the terminal fitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operating portion of the lock arm is exposed on the rear surface of the housing, then it is easy to operate for unlocking, but external matter (finger) can contact and deflect it during connection operation
Solution Approach 1:
The operating portion of the lock arm is nested within a recess formed in the housing, creating a protected space that prevents external matter from contacting the operating portion while still allowing access for intended operation
Solution Approach 2:
The recess acts as an intermediary structure between the operating portion and the external environment, providing physical protection while maintaining functional access to the lock arm's operating portion
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the operating portion is covered to prevent interference, then protection from external matter is improved, but access for operation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The operating portion is nested within a recess that provides protection while maintaining accessible opening, allowing the system to simultaneously achieve protection and operational access without compromising either function
Data Source
AI summary
It is aimed to prevent the interference of an external matter with an operating portion of a lock arm. A female connector (10) includes a female housing (11), female terminal fittings (26) to be inserted into the female housing (11) from behind, and a retainer (33) to be mounted into the female housing (11). The female housing (11) includes a lock arm (17) having a rear end part serving as an operating portion (20) for unlocking, and the retainer (33) is formed with a covering portion (35) for covering at least a part of the operating portion (20).