Swingable Connector Adaptor Locking for Easier Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector devices face challenges during assembly in vehicle interiors, where the adaptor may fall due to its own weight if not properly supported, hindering efficient connection of connectors.
Innovation Solution
A connector device with a pair of connectors and an adaptor featuring a hooking portion that locks into a receiving portion on the terminal unit, allowing the adaptor to be securely held without manual support, thus enhancing assembly workability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the adaptor is only fit to the first connector without additional locking structures, then the adaptor can be easily assembled, but the adaptor falls down by its own weight
Solution Approach 1:
The locking structure is divided into two separate components: a hooking portion formed on the adaptor and a receiving portion formed on the terminal unit. This segmentation allows each component to maintain its simplicity while the combination provides secure locking, resolving the contradiction between ease of assembly and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hooking portion acts as an intermediary element that bridges the adaptor and terminal unit, providing a mechanical locking function. This intermediary structure enables reliable connection without complicating the basic fitting mechanism, allowing easy assembly while preventing the adaptor from falling.
2Reliability
If manual support is required to prevent the adaptor from falling, then the adaptor can be securely positioned, but the assembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The locking structure is designed to be self-servicing during assembly. The hooking portion automatically engages with the receiving portion when the adaptor is inserted, providing self-positioning and self-locking functionality. This eliminates the need for manual support operations, maintaining high assembly efficiency while ensuring adaptor stability.
3Ease of operation
If the adaptor is designed to hang vertically downward by its own weight, then the second connector is easily assembled with the lower end part of the adaptor, but the adaptor may fall down without additional support
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented into the hooking portion on the adaptor and the receiving portion on the terminal unit. This allows the adaptor to maintain its simple hanging configuration for ease of assembly while the segmented locking structures work together to prevent falling, resolving the contradiction between operational ease and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
It is aimed to improve workability at the time of assembling. A connector device is provided with a pair of connectors including terminal units and to be individually mounted on a pair of circuit boards facing each other, and an adaptor including a pair of connecting end parts swingably connectable to the terminal units. The connecting end part is formed with a hooking portion radially projecting from the connecting end part. The terminal unit is formed with a receiving portion for holding the adaptor in the connector by locking the hooking portion to the receiving portion.