Socket Connector Lock Arm Pivoting Non-Resilient Beam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smaller sized electrical connector bodies with non-resilient beam members pose a challenge as the lock arm cannot elevate the lock nib to safely retract the plug connector without potential damage, as the non-resilient beam does not flex when force is applied.
Innovation Solution
A socket connector design featuring a lock arm with a forward end portion that pivots to contact a non-resilient beam member, causing the middle portion to arch outwardly and lift the lock nib, allowing safe retraction of the plug connector, while overstress ribs prevent forced removal without depressing the release lever.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the connector body size is reduced, then the connector becomes more compact and suitable for smaller applications, but the hold-down beam becomes non-resilient and cannot flex to elevate the lock nib for safe disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the functional state of the beam member from resilient to non-resilient, adapting it to the smaller connector size while maintaining disconnection capability through a different mechanism (lock arm pivoting) that doesn't rely on beam flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of the lock arm flexing the hold-down beam to elevate the lock nib (conventional approach), the patent inverts the mechanism: the lock arm pivots independently and uses its own structural movement to elevate the lock nib directly, without requiring the beam to flex
2Ease of manufacture
If a non-resilient beam member is used in smaller connectors, then manufacturing is simplified and the structure is more stable, but the lock arm cannot elevate the lock nib to allow safe retraction of the plug connector
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the flexibility requirement from the beam member system and places it in the lock arm structure itself. The non-resilient beam is retained for manufacturing simplicity, while the lock arm's pivotable structure provides the necessary movement for elevation and disconnection
3Stability of the object's composition
If the lock arm applies force to a non-resilient hold-down beam, then the beam remains stable and does not flex, but the lock nib is not elevated and the plug connector cannot be retracted without potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The lock arm acts as an intermediary between the user's manual force and the lock nib elevation. Instead of force being transmitted through the non-resilient beam, the lock arm's pivotable structure directly translates the applied force into vertical movement of the lock nib, bypassing the need for beam flexibility
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
Enables reliable and damage-free retraction of plug connectors from socket connectors, even with smaller sized non-resilient beam members, and prevents damage to the connectors by limiting forward movement without proper disengagement.
Implementation Method 1
The lock arm is adapted to pivot on a fulcrum in contact with a fulcrum reaction pad
Implementation Method 2
the middle portion of the lock arm flexibly arches outwardly away from the plug connector body
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A socket connector body (10) includes a shroud (20) having an opening (24), a lock arm (46), a substantially unyielding, non-resilient beam member (34), and means to pivot the lock arm. The lock arm includes a forward end portion (48) and middle portion (50) having an inward extending lock nib (56). The means of the lock arm pivots the forward end portion toward the non-resilient beam member from a free state of rest such that the forward end portion engages the non-resilient beam member. Further pivoting of the lock arm causes the middle portion of the lock arm to flexibly arch outwardly and away from the shroud such that the lock nib is lifted outwardly away from the plug connector body and out of engagement therewith to enable retraction of the plug connector body from the shroud through the opening.