Slider Connector Locking Structure Against Elastic Arm Buckling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lever-type connectors face issues with the reliability of retaining the sliding members and lever at their fitting start positions due to potential buckling of the elastic arms when subjected to external forces.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a retaining portion with an arm-like locking piece extending in the direction of displacement, a stopper to restrict movement, and buckling restriction portions to prevent deformation, ensuring reliable retention at the fitting start position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the elastic arm extends in the direction identical to the moving direction of the sliding member, then the retaining function is simplified, but the elastic arm will buckle when strong external force acts on it
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining mechanism is divided into two functional parts: the elastic arm for retention and the buckling restriction portion for structural support. This segmentation allows each part to specialize in its function while working together, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The buckling restriction portion acts as an intermediary element between the elastic arm and the housing. It provides necessary structural support to prevent buckling while allowing the elastic arm to maintain its simple cantilevered configuration for reliable retention.
2Strength
If the elastic arm is made more rigid to prevent buckling, then buckling is reduced, but the elastic arm cannot return to its initial position after displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into the elastic arm for reversible deformation and the buckling restriction portion for preventing permanent buckling. This allows the elastic arm to remain flexible enough to return to its initial position while the restriction portion ensures structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural parameters of the arm-like locking piece are optimized to achieve the right balance: sufficient rigidity to prevent buckling under load, but adequate elasticity to return to the initial position. The buckling restriction portion provides additional structural support without constraining the necessary elastic deformation.
3Strength
If the arm-like locking piece is extended further to improve retention, then retention strength increases, but the arm-like locking piece becomes more prone to buckling
Solution Approach 1:
The retention function and structural support function are segmented into different components: the extended arm-like locking piece provides retention strength, while the separate buckling restriction portion provides structural stability. This resolves the contradiction by allowing each function to be optimized independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The buckling restriction portion adds a new dimensional element to the structure, providing support in a direction perpendicular to the primary retention force. This multi-dimensional support structure allows the arm-like locking piece to extend further for better retention without compromising stability.
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 enhances the reliability of retaining the boosting function member at the fitting start position by preventing buckling of the arm-like locking piece, maintaining a stable connection under external forces.
Implementation Method 1
an arm-like locking piece extending in a cantilevered manner in a direction identical to a direction of displacement of the one member during the relative displacement of the boosting function member
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention can increase reliability of a function for holding a force boosting function member at a fitting start position. This connector comprises: a slider (30) that is provided to a first housing (11), and that fits the first housing (11) together with a second housing (61) by being relatively displaced to a fitting completion position from a fitting start position with respect to the first housing (11); a holding part (42) that is formed at the slider (30) and that has an arm-shaped locking piece (43) extending in a cantilever manner in the same direction as the displacement direction when the slider (30) is relatively displaced from the fitting start position to the fitting completion position; a stopper (16) that is formed in the first housing (11) and that restricts the movement, to the fitting completion position, of the slider (30) at the fitting start position as a result of coming into abutment with an abutment section (45) which is an extending end of the arm-shaped locking piece (43) in the same direction as the extending direction of the arm-shaped locking piece (43); and a buckling restriction part (39) that is provided to the slider (30) and that restricts buckling of the arm-shaped locking piece (43).