Quick Lock Connector Assembly with Pivoting Lever
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional board-to-board connectors experience material fatigue and deformation leading to loosened engagement and inadvertent separation due to the lack of a locking mechanism, especially after repetitive use.
Innovation Solution
A quick lock connector assembly featuring a female connector with a locking lever and pins that engages with a male connector, providing a secure locking mechanism to prevent accidental disengagement, utilizing a metal or anti-wear outer casing and locking lever to enhance structural strength and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional board-to-board connectors are used without a locking mechanism, then the connector structure is simple and ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to material fatigue and deformation causing loosened engagement and inadvertent separation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking lever is designed as a movable component that can pivot between locked and unlocked positions. This dynamic element allows the connector to transition from a simple engagement state to a secured locked state, resolving the contradiction by adding reliability through controlled movement rather than static structure
Solution Approach 2:
The locking lever utilizes elastic deformation of its own body to generate locking force. When pivoted to the locked position, the lever's elasticity maintains continuous pressure on the locking protrusions, creating a self-sustaining locking mechanism without requiring additional power sources or complex actuation systems
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent inadvertent separation, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components like locking lever and pins
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into discrete functional elements: the locking lever as a separate component, locking protrusions on the male connector, and corresponding recesses on the female connector. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The locking lever acts as an intermediary element between the male and female connectors. It mediates the locking action by engaging with the protrusions and recesses, providing a simple mechanical interface that translates lever movement into secure connector engagement without requiring complex direct coupling mechanisms
3Productivity
If repetitive plugs and pulls are performed, then the productivity is improved through frequent connector engagement, but the durability deteriorates due to material fatigue and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism provides preventive protection against engagement loss before material fatigue can cause failure. By securing the connectors together with positive locking, the system compensates for the gradual weakening of engagement forces due to repeated use, ensuring reliable connection throughout the connector's service life
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly combines different materials with complementary properties: the locking lever utilizes elastic materials to provide resilient locking force, while the housing components use rigid materials for structural strength. This composite approach allows the system to withstand repetitive engagement cycles by distributing mechanical stresses across materials optimized for their specific functions
Data Source
AI summary
A quick lock connector assembly has a female connector and a male connector. The female connector has a first insulative housing, multiple first terminals, an outer casing and a locking lever. The locking lever is mounted pivotally on the outer casing and has two locking pins. The male connector is engaged detachably with the female connector and has a second insulative housing and multiple second terminals. The second insulative housing has two locking recesses selectively engaged respectively with the locking pins. The locking lever is able to quickly lock the male connector on the female connector.