Segmented Lock Mechanism for Electrical Connector Stress Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors face issues with mechanical stress leading to breakage, particularly in modular devices, due to the design of one-piece clips and locks that are integral with the insulating body.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector features a lock with a movable part that slides to engage a retaining element on the casing, reducing mechanical stress by allowing the second hook to secure the connector without exerting significant constraints on the lock.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a one-piece lock integral with the insulating body is used, then the connector structure is simplified, but the lock undergoes high mechanical stresses leading to breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The lock is divided into a fixed part integral with the insulating body and a movable part that can slide relative to the fixed part. This segmentation allows the movable part to absorb mechanical stresses through sliding motion, preventing the entire lock structure from breaking while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Device complexity
If a one-piece clip integral with the insulating body is used, then the fastening mechanism is simplified, but the clip undergoes high mechanical stresses during aging
Solution Approach 1:
The clip is segmented into a fixed part integral with the insulating body and a movable part that can slide. This allows the movable part to accommodate dimensional changes and mechanical stresses during aging through sliding motion, improving durability while keeping the fastening mechanism simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip incorporates a movable part that can slide relative to the fixed part, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one. This dynamic capability allows the clip to adapt to mechanical stresses and aging effects, improving reliability without complicating the overall fastening mechanism.
3Strength
If a movable part with sliding motion is used in the lock, then mechanical stresses on the lock are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock is segmented into fixed and movable parts, where the movable part slides within the fixed part. This segmentation reduces stress concentration on any single component while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that integrates well with the insulating body.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable part of the lock is nested within the fixed part, with the movable part sliding inside the fixed part's structure. This nesting arrangement minimizes the additional space required and keeps the overall device complexity low while providing stress relief through sliding motion.
Data Source
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AI summary
The connector (100) has a lock (120) integrated to an insulating body (113), and connection terminals (112A, 112B) projected from the insulating body. The lock has a main fixed part (122) integrated to the body, and a mobile part (121) sliding along a longitudinal axis of the lock with respect to the fixed part. Maintaining hooks (123, 124) of the lock and the mobile part are respectively cooperated with hooking elements (625, 626) of a case (680) of an electrical modular apparatus (600).