Plug Lock Mechanism With Friction-Retained Swing Locking Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug lock mechanisms struggle to retain the locking member in position when the female connector is in a recessed area or has a non-flat surface, making it difficult to prevent inadvertent disconnection.
Innovation Solution
A plug lock mechanism with a locking member that is swingably and axially supported by shaft receiving portions, where the central axes of the shaft receiving holes are slanted relative to the shaft portions, and the shaft portions are pressed against inner walls of the shaft receiving holes made of softer synthetic resin, allowing stable retention via friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the locking member is merely axially supported by shaft receiving holes, then the structure is simple, but the locking member cannot be retained at any position when the female connector is in a recessed area or on a non-flat surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the support method from purely axial (one-dimensional) to include radial compression (multi-dimensional). The shaft portions are pressed against the inner walls of the shaft receiving holes at multiple sites distant from each other in the axial direction, creating frictional retention in multiple dimensions. This allows the locking member to be retained at any position without requiring complex external mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the shaft receiving holes by making them slanted relative to the shaft portions. This angular parameter change creates a self-retaining mechanism where the shaft portions are naturally pressed against the inner walls at multiple sites, generating friction that retains the locking member at any position without additional complexity.
2Reliability
If the shaft receiving holes are made of softer synthetic resin, then the shaft portions can be pressed against inner walls to create friction, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies that the central axes of the shaft receiving holes are slanted at a specific angle relative to the central axis of the shaft portions. This parameter change allows the softer synthetic resin to deform and create friction-based retention while maintaining manufacturability. The slant angle creates a self-adjusting mechanism that compensates for minor manufacturing variations.
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 ensures reliable prevention of plug disconnection by maintaining the locking member in position through friction, regardless of the device's shape, with easy assembly and operation.
Implementation Method 1
the shaft portions are to be pressed against inner walls of the shaft receiving holes
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a plug lock mechanism allowing a locking member to be retained at any position with a simple structure. The plug lock mechanism has a plug that can be plugged into and pulled out of a power receiving connector as a female connector; and a locking member that is swingably and axially supported by a pair of shaft receiving portions that are provided across the power receiving connector. This locking member coaxially has a pair of shaft portions that are located at both ends thereof, and central axes X1L and X1R of shaft receiving holes of the shaft receiving portions are slanted with respect to a central axis of the shaft portions. Thus, the locking member can be retained at any position via a friction caused by allowing the shaft portions to be pressed against part of the inner walls of the shaft receiving holes.