Three-Point Lock Connector for Stronger Position Assurance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connectors with a position assurance function often have mechanical weaknesses at the engaged portions, necessitating an improvement in strength to enhance durability and resistance to external forces.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a lock member supported at three points by a housing's side walls and a columnar portion, with a recessed installation portion to reduce direct impact, ensuring improved mechanical strength and resistance to external forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the position assurance member is engaged with the housing, then the connector achieves position assurance function, but the mechanical strength of the engaged portion becomes lower
Solution Approach 1:
The lock member is supported at three points (two side walls and one floor portion) instead of traditional two-point support, adding a dimensional element to the support structure. This three-point support configuration transforms the engagement structure from a planar arrangement to a spatial arrangement, significantly improving mechanical strength while maintaining the position assurance function
Solution Approach 2:
The installation portion of the lock member integrates multiple functions: it engages with the position assurance member, connects to two side walls for lateral support, and connects to the floor portion for vertical support. This merging of engagement and support functions into a single integrated structure improves both position assurance and mechanical strength simultaneously
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a housing configured to form an assembling space along a connection direction, and a position assurance member to be inserted into the assembling space and assembled to the housing in such a manner as to be movable along the connection direction from a tentative lock position to a regular lock position, in which the assembling space is formed between two side walls formed in the housing and extending in the connection direction, the housing includes a lock member that engages with the position assurance member assembled to the assembling space, and locks the position assurance member at the regular lock position, the lock member includes an installation portion installed between the two side walls, and the installation portion is connected to the two side walls, and connected to a columnar portion extending from a floor portion of the assembling space, to be supported at three points.