Resilient Connector Lock Arm for Panel Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connectors face difficulties in mounting on panels due to burrs formed during manufacturing, which cause increased resistance and obstruction, and modifying the lock protrusion's contact angle to reduce resistance complicates securing the projection amount.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a first housing with a base portion, a coupling portion, a linking portion, and a lock arm that are all resiliently deformable, allowing for reduced resistance during mounting and accommodating burrs, along with a second housing with a restricting portion and a lever to facilitate smooth connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lock protrusion contacts the burrs on the opening edge part, then the connector can be mounted on the panel, but large resistance is generated which obstructs the mounting operation
Solution Approach 1:
The deflecting piece is divided into multiple segments: the lock protrusion for contacting the panel, the resilient portion for deformation, and the base end part for support. This segmentation allows the lock protrusion to contact burrs while the resilient portion absorbs the impact through controlled deformation, reducing resistance and facilitating mounting operation.
2Force
If the contact angle of the lock protrusion with the burrs is made smaller to suppress sudden resistance increase, then resistance is reduced, but the front-rear length of the deflecting piece becomes longer and it becomes difficult to secure the projection amount of the lock protrusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the contact angle parameter of the lock protrusion to balance between reducing resistance and maintaining adequate projection length. By carefully selecting the contact angle, the design achieves smooth engagement with burrs while preserving sufficient front-rear length for effective locking function.
3Ease of operation
If the deflecting piece is made more resilient to accommodate burrs, then mounting is easier, but the structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The deflecting piece exhibits local quality differentiation: the resilient portion is designed with higher elasticity to accommodate burrs during mounting, while the lock protrusion and base end part maintain sufficient structural strength for secure attachment. This localized variation in mechanical properties resolves the contradiction between mounting ease and structural integrity.
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 design enables easy mounting of the connector on panels with reduced resistance and improved securement, particularly when burrs are present, by allowing for larger resilient deformation and preventing excessive inclination of the lock arm.
Implementation Method 1
the lock arm and the linking portion being both shaped to be resiliently deformable
Data Source
AI summary
A first housing 10 is arranged in a mounting hole 91 of a panel 90. The first housing 10 includes a base portion 27, a coupling portion 28 located forward of the base portion 27, a linking portion 29 linking between the base portion 27 and the coupling portion 28, and a lock arm 30 projecting rearward toward the base portion 27 from the coupling portion 28. The lock arm 30 has a lock surface 34 to be arranged to contact a front surface of the panel 90. The lock arm 30 and the linking portion 29 are both shaped to be resiliently deformable.