Pivot-Lever Connector Locking for Easier Mating Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of connectors with pivot levers is often complex due to the need for precise alignment and manipulation, which complicates the connection process.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism with a slidable locking element that affixes the pivot lever in an initial position, allowing for simple connection to a mating connector without cumbersome alignment, and automatically releases for pivotal motion to secure or draw the connector into place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pivot lever is made movable to enable connection to the mating connector, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for alignment and manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The connection process is divided into two distinct phases: a locked position where the pivot lever is constrained and can only slide, and a release position where pivotal motion is enabled. This segmentation allows the system to provide ease of operation during connection while maintaining controlled complexity through defined motion states
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot lever transitions from a constrained state (locked position with only translational sliding) to an unlocked state (release position with rotational freedom). This dynamic change in degrees of freedom allows the system to simplify operation at different stages of the connection process, reducing the complexity burden on the user
2Device complexity
If the pivot lever is affixed in a fixed position, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for cumbersome alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot lever is preliminarily positioned and constrained in the locked position before the actual connection operation. This preliminary constraint eliminates the need for cumbersome alignment during the connection process, as the locking element pre-establishes the correct position and orientation, allowing the user to simply slide the connectors together
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element acts as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the fixed housing member and the movable pivot lever. It provides the constraint function during approach, then releases to enable the pivotal motion needed for connection, thereby resolving the conflict between simplicity and operability
3Ease of operation
If the locking element is slidable to enable automatic release, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is merged with the pivot lever itself, forming an integrated component rather than a separate part. The pivot lever includes a section that serves as the locking element, which slides within a slot in the housing member. This merging reduces the number of discrete components while maintaining the automatic release function that improves ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot lever serves multiple functions: it acts as the operating lever for connection, contains the locking element for automatic engagement, and provides the pivotal motion for securing the connection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, achieving ease of operation without proportionally increasing device complexity
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2E
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
The invention relates to an assembly (100), comprising a housing member (20) for a connector (10) which can be plugged together with a mating connector (200), a pivot lever (50) which can be attached to the housing member (20) to be pivotal, and a locking mechanism (77) comprising a locking element (70) which can be slidable by the mating connector (200) from a locked position (170) to a release position (180) and which, in the locked position (170), affixes the pivot lever (50) in an initial position (150) and by way of which, in the release position (180), a pivotal motion of the pivot lever (50) relative to the housing member (20) is enabled. The invention additionally relates to a connector (10) comprising such an assembly (100). The invention furthermore relates to a connector assembly (300) comprising such an assembly (100) and a mating connector (200).