Pivoting Connector Lock Mechanism for Compact Mounting Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors require a significant mounting space due to the movable lock lever design, which hinders size reduction and affects workability during insertion and removal.
Innovation Solution
A lock mechanism with a pivotable lock member supported by a pivotal shaft orthogonal to the fitting direction, featuring an engagement part, biasing part, and engagement-receiving part, allowing for a compact design and improved workability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a lock lever that moves in the pitch direction is used, then the lock mechanism can be operated simply by pulling the pull tab, but the mounting space must accommodate the movable region of the lock lever, preventing further size reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The lock member is configured to move in the fitting direction (X-axis) rather than the pitch direction (Y-axis), changing the dimension of movement from lateral to longitudinal. This dimensional change allows the lock mechanism to operate within the connector's length rather than requiring additional width, thereby reducing the mounting space while maintaining operational simplicity
2Area of stationary object
If the lock member moves in the fitting direction, then the mounting space is reduced, but the mechanism becomes more complex with the addition of the pivotal shaft and engagement-receiving part
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement-receiving part is integrated into the connector body structure rather than being a separate component. The pivotal shaft is positioned such that it serves both as the rotation axis for the lock member and as a structural element of the connector housing. This merging of functions reduces the number of discrete parts while achieving the desired compact movement in the fitting direction
3Length of stationary object
If the lock member is positioned to engage in the fitting direction, then the height of the connector is constrained, but the biasing part requires sufficient space to provide the necessary restoring force
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing part is nested within the connector body structure, with its active portion positioned in the available longitudinal space. The biasing part is configured to act on the lock member through a lever arm that amplifies the restoring force, allowing sufficient force to be generated within the constrained height by utilizing the fulcrum point provided by the pivotal shaft
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 mechanism achieves a reduced mounting space and enhances the ease of inserting and removing connectors without compromising the structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing part that is connected to the lock member and holds the lock member in a reference state
Implementation Method 2
a pivotal shaft that is disposed parallel to a direction orthogonal to a fitting direction and pivotably supports the lock member
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a lock mechanism configured to hold a fitted state between a first connector and a second connector, where the first connector and the second connector as a counterpart are fittable together. The lock mechanism includes: a lock member that includes an engagement part and is provided in the first connector; a biasing part that is connected to the lock member and holds the lock member in a reference state; a pivotal shaft that is disposed parallel to a direction orthogonal to a fitting direction and pivotably supports the lock member; and an engagement-receiving part that is provided in the second connector and is engageable with the engagement part. The lock member is attached to the first connector so as to be pivotable around the pivotal shaft.