Rotating Locking Portion Connector Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies with friction lock mechanisms suffer from size changes and reduced lock force due to repeated mating and separation, causing wear and shape changes in lock portions.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly design featuring a first locking portion as a solid of revolution, rotatably supported by a housing, and a second locking portion, where both are supported by a resiliently deformable portion, allowing the locking portions to move intersecting with the mating direction and rotate to prevent abrasion during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a friction lock mechanism with locking portions is used to enable separation without jig or special release operation, then ease of operation is improved, but the locking portions are worn away and changed in shape by repetition of mating and removing, reducing lock force
Solution Approach 1:
The first locking portion is designed as a solid of revolution (cylindrical or spherical shape) that rotates during mating and separation operations. This curved geometry allows the locking portion to roll rather than slide against the second locking portion, converting harmful linear friction into beneficial rotational motion that reduces wear and maintains lock force over repeated operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The first locking portion is made rotatable about its longitudinal axis through resilient support, transforming it from a static component to a dynamic one. This rotational capability enables the locking portion to adapt its orientation during mating and separation, reducing direct rubbing and wear while maintaining the friction lock's ease of operation.
2Strength
If the first locking portion is pressed against the pin housing by a supporting portion, then lock force is improved, but the first locking portion and second locking portion are strongly rubbed with each other during separation, causing wear and shape change
Solution Approach 1:
The solid of revolution shape of the first locking portion enables it to rotate during separation rather than slide linearly against the second locking portion. This rotational motion reduces the rubbing action that causes wear and shape change, while the resilient support maintains sufficient contact pressure to preserve lock force.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction and rubbing that originally caused wear and shape change are converted into beneficial rotational motion. The friction force that was harmful (causing wear) is transformed into the torque that rotates the first locking portion, reducing direct rubbing and extending the life of the locking portions while maintaining lock force.
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
This design effectively suppresses shape changes and maintains lock force by rotating the locking portions during mating and separation, reducing wear and ensuring consistent locking performance.
Implementation Method 1
At least one of the first housing and the second housing is formed with a resiliently supporting portion which is resiliently deformable
Implementation Method 2
the first locking portion and the second locking portion are strongly rubbed with each other. In this manner, the first locking portion and the second locking portion, especially the first locking portion, are worn away and changed in shape or size
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly includes first and second connectors. The first connector has a first housing and a first locking portion. The second connector has a second housing and a second locking portion. The first housing is formed with a resiliently supporting portion which rotatably supports the first locking portion. The first locking portion is positioned between a front end and a rear end of the first housing in a mating direction. When the first connector is mated with the second connector, the second locking portion is positioned between the first locking portion and the rear end of the first housing in the mating direction. When seen along the mating direction, the first locking portion and the second locking portion have a first extent and a second extent, respectively, in an orthogonal direction. When the first connector is mated with the second connector, the first extent overlaps with the second extent.