Connector Abutment Structure That Resists Mud and Water Buildup
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector fitting structures are susceptible to poor fitting due to the accumulation of foreign matter such as mud and water on the exposed, planar top plate, which can prevent proper connection between the connector and the mating connector.
Innovation Solution
A connector fitting structure featuring a second housing with an abutment portion that includes a concave and convex design, where the convex portion serves as an abutment surface, reducing the area susceptible to foreign matter accumulation and enhancing the reliability of the fitting process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a planar top plate is used as the abutment surface, then the fitting structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but foreign matter such as mud and water easily adheres and accumulates on the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The abutment surface is segmented into multiple convex portions protruding from the top plate, creating a textured surface with recessed areas. This segmentation prevents continuous foreign matter accumulation by providing drainage paths and reducing surface area for adhesion, while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standard molding techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The convex portions are designed with curved surfaces instead of flat planes. The spherical or dome-shaped protrusions reduce the surface area in contact with foreign matter and facilitate water and mud to roll off more easily, preventing accumulation while keeping the overall structure simple to manufacture.
2Device complexity
If a planar top plate is used as the abutment surface, then the structure is simple, but poor fitting occurs when foreign matter accumulates
Solution Approach 1:
The abutment surface is divided into multiple convex portions with recessed areas between them. This segmentation reduces the continuous surface area where foreign matter can accumulate, thereby preventing fitting failures while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that does not require complex additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The design converts the potential harm of foreign matter accumulation into a benefit by creating recessed areas that actively channel water and debris away from the critical abutment contact points. The convex portions ensure that even when foreign matter is present, it accumulates in the recessed areas rather than interfering with the fitting reliability.
3Force
If the top plate surface area is large, then the abutment is stable, but foreign matter accumulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The top plate surface is segmented into multiple convex portions distributed across the abutment area. This segmentation maintains the overall abutment stability by distributing contact forces across multiple points while significantly reducing the continuous surface area where foreign matter can accumulate, thus addressing both requirements simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the top plate are given different local qualities: the convex portions provide stable abutment contact points, while the recessed areas between them are designed to collect and drain foreign matter. This local differentiation allows the surface to simultaneously provide stability and resist foreign matter accumulation.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector fitting structure, between a first connector and a second connector that are fitted and electrically connected to each other, is provided. The first connector includes a first housing that accommodates a first connection terminal. The second connector includes a second housing that accommodates a second connection terminal, and an abutment portion that is provided on a portion of the second housing and against which the first housing abuts before the first connector is fitted into the second connector. The abutment portion includes a concave portion and a convex portion, A front end of the convex portion is configured to be an abutment surface.