Tapered Flexible Lock Arm for Connector Downsizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to maintain flexibility in lock arms while downsizing the connector lock structure, as shorter lock arms can lead to excessive stress and potential breakdown during locking or unlocking operations.
Innovation Solution
A lock structure with flexible lock arms that are gradually thinned from the base to the lock engaging part, allowing for curvature deformation and reduced stress concentration, combined with a releasing lever mechanism for smooth lock release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the lock arms are made shorter to downsize the connector, then the connector size is reduced, but the rigidity of the lock arms is enhanced and they become hard to deform
Solution Approach 1:
The lock arm is designed with non-uniform thickness, being thinner at the distal end and thicker at the base end. This local variation in cross-sectional area creates a gradient of flexibility along the lock arm's length, allowing the distal end to deform easily for locking/unlocking while the base remains sufficiently rigid for structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The thickness parameter of the lock arm is changed along its length, creating a tapered profile. This parameter change enables the lock arm to achieve both flexibility at the working end and sufficient strength at the mounting end, resolving the contradiction between size reduction and flexibility maintenance.
2Volume of moving object
If the lock arms are made shorter, then the connector is downsized, but stress concentrates on the fixed ends during locking or unlocking operations
Solution Approach 1:
The varying thickness design creates local differences in stiffness, allowing the lock arm to deform more at the thinner distal end rather than concentrating stress at the fixed base end. This distributes the mechanical stress more favorably along the lock arm's length.
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered geometry acts as a built-in stress distribution feature that prevents excessive stress concentration before failure can occur. The gradual thickness change provides a transition zone that cushions stress during deformation.
3Volume of moving object
If the lock arms are made shorter, then the connector is downsized, but the lock arms are hard to deform in a curve
Solution Approach 1:
The lock arm's cross-sectional area is varied along its length, with the distal end being thinner to facilitate easy curvature deformation for locking/unlocking operations, while maintaining overall compact dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of changing the length dimension, the solution addresses deformability by modifying the cross-sectional dimension (thickness) at different locations along the lock arm, enabling curvature without increasing overall size.
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 prevents lock arm breakdown by dispersing stress and maintaining flexibility even with shorter lengths, ensuring reliable operation and reduced rigidity issues during lock engagement and release.
Implementation Method 1
the distal end side of the lock arm can be deformed in a curve
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a lever action
Implementation Method 3
configured to be rotated together with the lock engaging part around a pivot
Data Source
AI summary
A lock structure of a connector includes a flexible lock arm, a lock engaging part and a releasing lever part. The flexible lock arm fixed to the second connector housing at a base end portion thereof is extended in a fitting direction of the connector. The lock engaging part provided at a distal end portion of the flexible lock arm is configured to be locked with a locking part provided in the first connector housing. The releasing lever part connected to the lock engaging part is extended along the flexible lock arm, and is configured to be rotated together with the lock engaging part around a pivot which is movable while releasing the lock. A thickness of the flexible rock arm is gradually decreased from the base end portion to the lock engaging part.