Angled Housing Tabs for Secure Connector Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing housing units for electronic components in vehicles lack a robust and efficient method to securely connect cables and connectors, leading to potential disconnection and movement issues.
Innovation Solution
A housing unit with a connection aperture featuring elongate tabs that deflect inwardly at angles to securely hold a connector in place, utilizing an interference fit with an inward-facing lip and a connector design with rearward-facing shoulders to prevent removal, ensuring a stable electrical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional connection methods (screws, clips, or simple snap-fit connectors) are used, then the housing can be manufactured with standard processes, but the connector may become loose or disconnected during vehicle operation due to vibration and movement
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into two functional segments: the housing with integrated tabs and the connector with corresponding engagement features. This segmentation allows the housing to provide structural support while the connector provides electrical connection, resolving the contradiction by distributing functions across separate components that work together reliably
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is nested within the housing structure, with the connector body received inside the housing and the tabs extending through the housing wall to engage with the connector. This nested arrangement ensures the connector remains securely positioned within the housing while maintaining reliable electrical connection, preventing loosening during vibration
2Reliability
If a secure connection is achieved using traditional methods (screws, clips, or retaining rings), then the connector remains firmly attached, but additional components and assembly steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The tabs are merged with the housing as an integrated feature, formed directly from the housing material rather than being separate components. This merging eliminates the need for additional retaining clips, screws, or separate mounting brackets, simplifying both manufacturing and assembly while maintaining secure connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The tabs serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural reinforcement at the connection aperture, guide the connector during insertion, and provide the securing engagement force. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate guiding features and retaining mechanisms, simplifying the overall manufacturing process
3Reliability
If the tabs are formed at right angles to the wall, then the connector is held securely, but the tabs require more material and create larger connection apertures that compromise housing integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The tabs are angled at 45 degrees relative to the housing wall rather than being perpendicular to it. This angular orientation allows the tabs to extend further laterally for secure engagement while reducing their projection into the housing interior, effectively utilizing spatial dimensions to achieve secure retention with minimal material consumption and reduced impact on housing integrity
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 solution provides a robust and secure connection that resists lateral and parallel motion, ensuring reliable electrical communication between the housing and external components without the need for additional connectors, optimizing space usage and durability.
Implementation Method 1
each tab being deflected with respect to the wall and extending inwardly into the interior of the housing at an angle to the plane of the wall
Implementation Method 2
the part of the connection aperture is clamped or received in an interference fit between the lip and a wall of the housing
Data Source
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Figure 6~7
AI summary
A housing suitable for containing one or more electronic components, the housing having a connection aperture formed in a wall thereof to allow connection of a cable to the wall, wherein the connection aperture is provided with a pair of tabs positioned on opposing sides thereof, each tab being generally elongate and having a free end, each tab being deflected with respect to the wall and extending inwardly into the interior of the housing at an angle to the plane of the wall, so the free end of each tab lies within the housing, and wherein each tab has a first region, which is near or adjacent the wall, which extends at a first angle with respect to the plane of the wall, and a second region, which is further from the wall that the first region, which extends at a second angle with respect to the plane of the wall, the second angle being less than the first angle.