Lock Lever Unfastening Mechanism for Flat Conductors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors require a wide space to unfasten the lock lever from a flat conductor, making it difficult to remove the flat conductor when other components are closely disposed nearby, as they need significant displacement of the operation portion.
Innovation Solution
A connector design with a lock lever that includes an elastic portion to displace the fastening portion away from the flat conductor by pushing a flat plate portion in the insertion direction, allowing unfastening without needing a wide space, and a stopper mechanism to prevent excessive displacement and plastic deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operation portion is displaced by pushing it in the direction away from the flat conductor to unfasten the lock lever, then the fastening portion can be removed from the recessed portion, but a wide space is required in the vicinity of the connector which is not available when other components are closely disposed
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of pushing the operation portion in the direction away from the flat conductor (conventional approach), the patent pushes the operation portion in the direction toward the flat conductor (opposite direction). This inversion of the pushing direction causes the connecting portion to rotate, which in turn displaces the fastening portion away from the flat conductor through the elastic portion, achieving unfastening without requiring wide space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces rotational movement of the connecting portion as an intermediate dynamic action. When the operation portion is pushed toward the flat conductor, the connecting portion rotates about its connection point, transforming the linear pushing motion into a rotational motion that then translates to linear displacement of the fastening portion away from the flat conductor. This dynamic transformation allows space-efficient operation.
2Ease of operation
If the operation portion is pushed significantly to displace the fastening portion away from the flat conductor, then the lock lever can be unfastened, but the operation portion may undergo plastic deformation when excessively displaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a stopper that contacts the side wall portion before the operation portion can be excessively displaced. This preliminary stopping action prevents the operation portion from undergoing plastic deformation by limiting its displacement range, while still allowing sufficient displacement to unfasten the lock lever. The stopper is positioned to engage at the optimal point that achieves unfastening without excessive travel.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper mechanism serves as a protective measure that cushions against excessive displacement. By providing this preliminary constraint, the system prevents the operation portion from being pushed beyond its elastic limit, thereby protecting the structural integrity of the lock lever while still enabling the necessary unfastening motion.
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 easy unfastening of the lock lever from the flat conductor even in tight spaces, reducing the frequency of plastic deformation and improving the connector's reliability and usability in densely packed environments.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic portion that displaces the fastening portion in directions towards and away from the flat conductor
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a lock lever that is fastened to a flat conductor and that maintains electrical connection between a terminal and the flat conductor. The lock lever includes a fastening portion that, in an interior of a fitting chamber, is fastened to the flat conductor that electrically contacts the terminal, and prevents removal of the flat conductor; an elastic portion that displaces the fastening portion in directions towards and away from the flat conductor; and an operation portion that includes a flat plate portion and a connecting portion, the flat plate portion extending along a front wall, the connecting portion extending from the flat plate portion in the direction away from the flat conductor and connected to the elastic portion. The flat plate portion is pushed along an insertion direction of the flat conductor.