Parallel-Arm Lock Spring for Low-Profile Connector Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing board-mounting connectors face challenges in reducing height while maintaining a secure locking mechanism that can be easily unlocked, particularly for connectors with reduced dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly featuring a first connector with a housing and a lock spring having parallel arms, and a second connector with catches that engage the lock spring to facilitate easy locking and unlocking, utilizing a reinforcement fitting to secure the lock spring and allow parallel movement, enabling self-alignment and secure engagement without increasing height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lock mechanism with a circular cross-section lock spring is used, then the locking function is achieved, but the height of the connector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock spring is changed from a circular cross-section (radial locking) to a parallel arm configuration (linear locking along the connector length). This dimensional change allows the locking mechanism to function within the available height constraints while maintaining reliable locking through the parallel arm engagement with the catch.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometric parameters of the lock spring are fundamentally changed from a circular wire configuration to a planar parallel arm structure. This parameter change enables the locking mechanism to achieve the same securing function with a reduced height profile by distributing the locking force along the connector length rather than requiring vertical space.
2Reliability
If the lock spring is securely fixed to prevent detachment, then connection reliability is improved, but the ability to easily unlock is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lock spring is designed with dynamic characteristics where the parallel arms can flex elastically during engagement and disengagement. The reinforcement fitting secures the spring body while the arms remain movable, enabling easy unlocking through simple arm deflection while maintaining secure attachment of the spring to the housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock spring is segmented into a fixed portion (secured by reinforcement fitting) and a movable portion (parallel arms). This segmentation allows the spring to be firmly attached to the housing for reliability while the arms can flex independently for easy engagement and disengagement operations.
3Ease of operation
If the lock spring is made flexible for easy engagement, then ease of operation is improved, but the locking strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The parallel arm configuration provides controlled flexibility that enables easy engagement through elastic deformation. The arms can deflect to accommodate alignment variations during mating while maintaining sufficient locking strength through the geometry and material properties of the spring structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock spring combines material flexibility with structural strength through its parallel arm design. The spring material is selected to provide appropriate elastic properties for easy engagement while the arm geometry and reinforcement fitting ensure adequate locking strength is maintained during operation.
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
The solution provides a compact, securely locked connector assembly that can be easily unlocked, ensuring reliable electrical connections and repeated mating/unmating without detaching the lock spring, suitable for reduced height applications.
Implementation Method 1
Locking and unlocking are performed by utilizing an elastic deformation of the lock spring
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly is provided with a first connector and a second connector. The first connector includes a housing and a lock spring arranged at an end portion of the housing. The lock spring includes a pair of arms extending parallel to a planar side of the housing. The second connector includes a catch to engage the lock spring by flexing the pair of arms away each other.