Shield Connector Lock Arm Deflection Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock mechanisms for shield connectors face issues with low insertion force leading to weak holding force, as the flexible lock arm can be easily bent, causing the shield shell to be pulled out, and the lock projection is prone to scraping or crushing during press fitting, resulting in inadequate holding force.
Innovation Solution
A lock mechanism with a flexible lock arm that includes a stopper to control deflection, allowing the lock arm to be bent inwardly during insertion and restored to engage securely with a locked member, reducing the risk of scraping and crushing, and enhancing the holding force by increasing the lock area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lock arm is made flexible to enable easy assembly with low insertion force, then the ease of operation is improved, but the holding force becomes weak and the shield shell can be easily pulled out
Solution Approach 1:
The lock arm is designed as a flexible component that dynamically changes its state during assembly - bent during insertion to enable low insertion force, then restored to engage securely with the locked member to provide strong holding force. This dynamic behavior allows the same component to satisfy both easy assembly and strong holding requirements at different stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock arm is divided into functional segments: a flexible portion that allows bending during insertion, and a locked member engagement portion that provides secure locking. This segmentation enables different parts of the lock arm to perform different functions - the flexible portion handles the insertion phase while the engagement portion handles the holding phase.
2Ease of operation
If the lock projection is pressed along the inner wall of the shield shell during press fitting, then the lock projection can be engaged with the hole, but the lock projection is scraped or crushed resulting in inadequate holding force
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible lock arm acts as an intermediary that mediates between the connector housing and the shield shell. By bending the lock arm during insertion, it creates clearance that prevents the lock projection from scraping or crushing against the shield shell inner wall, while still enabling successful engagement with the locked member.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock arm is preliminarily bent before engagement to create insertion clearance. This preliminary action of bending the lock arm prevents harmful contact between the lock projection and the shield shell inner wall during the engagement process, preserving the integrity of the lock projection.
3Ease of operation
If the lock arm is easily bent to allow assembly, then the ease of operation is improved, but the lock area is reduced resulting in weakened holding force
Solution Approach 1:
The lock arm utilizes dynamic elasticity to temporarily reduce its effective lock area during insertion (when bent) and then restore to maximize lock area during holding (when engaged). The bending action is transient and controlled, allowing the lock projection to engage with the locked member at full lock area after insertion is complete.
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 allows for easy assembly with low insertion force while providing a strong holding force, preventing the shield shell from being pulled out and improving the reliability and quality of the shield connector assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible lock arm (17) having a lock projection (18) projecting outwardly; when the connector housing (5) is inserted into the shield shell (4), the lock arm (17) is bent and the lock projection (18) is press-fitted along an inner surface (8c) of the shield shell (4)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A shield connector is for assembling of a connector housing and a shield shell acted by a small insertion force and locking the connector housing and the shield shell by a large holding force. A flexible lock arm having a projection projecting outwardly is arranged at an insulation connector housing. A locked member engaged with the projection is arranged at a shield shell in which the connector housing is inserted. When the projection is half locked with the locked member, the lock arm is prevented from bending to unlock. When the connector housing is inserted into the shield shell, the lock arm is bent and also the projection is press-fitted along an inner surface of the shield shell. A stopper facing and abutting on an inner surface along a bending direction of the lock arm is arranged at an outer surface of the connector housing.