Lock Arm Connector Structure to Minimize Rattling Clearance

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Solution Overview

Problem

The clearance between protrusions and the counterpart engaging part in a connector housing leads to rattling, which deteriorates communication performance, particularly in high-speed communication applications.

Innovation Solution

A connector design with a lock arm that includes a protrusion with a protruding portion disposed within the movement trajectory of the protrusion apex, featuring a protruding portion-rear end face orthogonal to the fitting direction, preventing downward flexing and minimizing clearance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the lock arm is designed to flex downward during fitting, then the connector housing can be securely fitted to the counterpart housing, but a clearance is formed between the protrusions and counterpart engaging part causing rattling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefitting securityVSAvoidconnection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The protrusion is divided into two functional parts: the original protrusion for flexing the lock arm downward during fitting, and an additional protruding portion that extends in the fitting-opposite direction. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently, with the protruding portion preventing rattling while the main protrusion enables secure fitting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The protruding portion extends in the fitting-opposite direction (a different dimension from the downward flexing direction), creating a new engagement interface with the counterpart engaging part. This dimensional addition allows the protrusion to perform both downward flexing and lateral positioning functions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the protrusion apex moves during lock arm flexing, then the lock arm can return to its original position, but a clearance corresponding to the movement difference is formed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelock arm returnabilityVSAvoidclearance control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The protruding portion is pre-positioned within the movement trajectory of the protrusion apex before the lock arm flexing occurs. This preliminary positioning ensures that as the protrusion apex moves during flexing and return, the protruding portion maintains continuous contact with the counterpart engaging part, preventing clearance formation throughout the entire motion cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the protrusion-rear end face is opposed to the counterpart engaging part, then separation is prevented, but rattling occurs along the first axis

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation preventionVSAvoidrattling

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The protruding portion acts as an intermediary element between the protrusion-rear end face and the counterpart engaging part. It provides an additional contact interface that supplements the separation prevention function while simultaneously eliminating the rattling harm, mediating between the conflicting requirements of separation prevention and rattling reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Reduces rattling and maintains high-speed communication performance by preventing lock arm flexing and minimizing clearance, ensuring stable connection and improved electrical contact.

Implementation Method 1

the protruding portion-rear end face is shaped such that a component of a force received from the counterpart engaging part does not act in the downward direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForce component redirection: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

the protrusion is configured to flex the lock arm in a downward direction that is orthogonal to the fitting direction by being pressed by a counterpart engaging part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20260018831A1connector

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS LTD

AI summary

A connector includes a connector housing configured to be fitted to a counterpart housing by being moved relative to the counterpart housing in a fitting direction extending along a first axis. The connector housing includes a lock arm extending in a fitting-opposite direction, the lock arm includes a protrusion configured to flex the lock arm in a downward direction by being pressed by a counterpart engaging part while the connector housing is being fitted to the counterpart housing, the protrusion includes a protrusion-rear end face and at least one protruding portion protruding from the protrusion-rear end face, the protruding portion is disposed within a range of a movement trajectory of an apex of the protrusion during flexing of the lock arm.