Lock Lever with Hidden Projection for Automotive Connector Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical connectors with lock levers in automobiles face issues where the lock lever can be unlocked and moved due to external impacts during conveyance or dropping, especially in small-scale connectors, making it difficult to enhance strength through shape modifications.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a cantilevered lock lever with a hidden projection and a recess in the lock lever's intermediate portion, which divides rotational force, preventing the lock lever from being easily moved while uncoupled from a mating connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the locking portion is increased in external form to enhance strength, then the strength increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two functional parts: a projection that provides mechanical locking and a recess that provides rotational constraint. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently for its specific function without increasing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The recess is pre-formed in the lock lever at a specific location and orientation. When the projection engages with the recess, the rotational constraint is immediately established, preventing the lock lever from rotating in the uncoupled state before any external impact occurs.
2Reliability
If the lock lever is made more secure against rotation, then the reliability improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions between two dynamic states: in the uncoupled state, the projection engages the recess to prevent rotation; in the coupled state, the projection disengages from the recess, allowing the lock lever to rotate freely for locking operation. This dynamic behavior provides both stability and operability.
Solution Approach 2:
The recess acts as an intermediary element between the projection and the lock lever's rotational movement. It provides a controlled constraint that prevents unwanted rotation while allowing intentional rotation when the projection is disengaged, thus mediating between stability and operability requirements.
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
This configuration effectively prevents the lock lever from being easily moved while uncoupled, enhancing the coupling strength and reliability of the electrical connector, even under external loads.
Implementation Method 1
a recess which can introduce the projection in the outer circumferential direction is formed in an intermediate portion of the lock lever. In a state in which the rotation of the lock lever in one direction is prevented by the projection
Implementation Method 2
the recess includes a first inner wall and a second inner wall formed therein which can be pressed by the projection by a rotational force of the lock lever in one direction being divided
Data Source
AI summary
A plug as an electrical connector according to the present disclosure includes a box-shaped housing and a lock lever having an arm in such a manner that a base end of the arm is rotatable, and the lock lever is configured to pull the mating housing inside the box-shaped housing. On a side face of the box-shaped housing, a projection is provided which can be hidden from the side face thereof. A recess is provided in an intermediate portion of the arm of the lock lever, and the projection can be introduced and the rotation of the lock lever in the one direction can be prevented. The recess includes a bottom wall (first inner wall) and a side wall (second inner wall) formed therein which can be pressed by the projection by a rotational force of the lock lever in one direction being divided.