Waterproof Connector Cover for Lock Release Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors face challenges in maintaining a waterproof property due to the exposure of the lock cancellation arm's operation part, which compromises the seal when attempting to cancel the lockable state between the lock bodies.
Innovation Solution
The connector design incorporates a cover that extends to cover the point-of-effort part of the lock cancellation arm, incorporating an elastically deformable lock cancellation operation body with a press movement operation part, which applies the necessary force without exposing the housing to water ingress, thereby preventing degradation of the waterproof property.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lock cancellation arm is provided to the housing with the operation part exposed, then the operability of canceling the lockable state is improved, but the waterproof property deteriorates due to water ingress through the exposure part
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cover as an intermediary component that mediates between the housing and the external environment. The cover includes an exposure part that allows access to the operation part of the lock cancellation arm, but also includes a blocking part that prevents water from reaching the housing through the exposure part. This intermediary structure enables both operational access and waterproof protection simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is segmented into functionally distinct parts: an exposure part that provides access to the operation part, and a blocking part that prevents water ingress. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function - the exposure part enables operation while the blocking part maintains waterproofing, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and protection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the cover fully encloses the housing, then the waterproof property is improved, but the operability of the lock cancellation arm is worsened due to inaccessibility of the operation part
Solution Approach 1:
The cover acts as an intermediary that selectively manages access. Rather than fully enclosing or fully exposing the housing, the cover provides controlled access through the exposure part while maintaining overall enclosure for waterproofing. This allows the operation part to remain accessible for manual operation while the rest of the housing remains protected.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover exhibits different properties in different locations: the exposure part has an open or transparent quality to allow access to the operation part, while the blocking part has a sealed quality to prevent water ingress. This local differentiation of properties allows the cover to simultaneously provide both accessibility and protection in appropriate regions.
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 configuration enhances the operability of removing the connector while maintaining a high level of waterproofing by blocking water ingress through the exposure part, thus reducing the risk of water entering the housing and transferring to the terminal clasp.
Implementation Method 1
a lock cancellation arm that is elastically deformable and can cancel a state in which the lock body and the counterpart lock body are lockable
Data Source
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AI summary
A connector includes: a housing (20); and a cover (30). The housing includes a lock body (81) that is lockable to a counterpart lock body (501) so that fitting connection with the counterpart housing is not canceled, and a lock cancellation arm (82) that deforms with application of lock cancellation force to a point-of-effort part (82a) and cancels a state in which the lock body is lockable to the counterpart lock body. The cover includes a second wall (32) that covers the housing up to the position of the point-of-effort part in the fitting connection direction, an exposure part (32a) formed at the wall to expose the point-of-effort part, and a lock cancellation operation body (35) that includes an operation part (35a) capable of receiving a press movement operation, blocks the exposure part to an extent that deformation along with the press movement operation is possible, and applies the lock cancellation force to the point-of-effort part through the deformation.