Connector Aligning Plate Removal Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors face issues where the aligning plate is easily pushed in and released under strong force, and it is difficult to remove the aligning plate once mounted, due to lack of structural support and lifting mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a male connector with a locking portion and an aligning plate that engages with the male terminal, preventing movement towards the base end, and a lever with an engaging portion that makes constrained motion to detach the aligning plate, allowing easy removal and protection of the male terminal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the aligning plate is temporarily locked to the male connector without additional support structures, then the temporary locking is simple, but the aligning plate is easily pushed in and released under strong force
Solution Approach 1:
The solution divides the locking function into two independent systems: temporary locking portions for simple initial positioning, and locking portions with support structures for reliable final locking. This segmentation allows each system to perform its specific function optimally without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The temporary locking portions perform preliminary positioning of the aligning plate before the main locking action. This preliminary action guides the aligning plate into correct position, after which the support structures engage to provide stable final locking.
2Reliability
If the aligning plate is firmly locked to prevent movement, then the male terminal is protected, but it becomes difficult to remove the aligning plate once mounted
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The support structures can transition between engaged and disengaged states, allowing the system to switch between firmly locked (for protection) and easily removable (for maintenance) conditions based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structures act as intermediaries between the aligning plate and the male connector body. They provide the necessary locking force to protect the male terminal while also serving as release points that allow easy removal when needed.
3Ease of manufacture
If the aligning plate structure is simplified for easy installation, then the manufacturing is easier, but the aligning plate lacks structural support and is easily pushed in under load
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented into temporary locking portions (for easy installation) and locking portions with support structures (for load resistance). The aligning plate itself remains simple for easy manufacture, while the support structures on the male connector provide the necessary strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structures on the male connector act as intermediaries that transfer and distribute loads from the aligning plate to the connector body. This allows the aligning plate to remain simple while still providing load resistance through the supported locking portions.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector (1) which has: a male connector (3) provided with a locking portion (11); an aligning plate (7) which includes an engaged portion (15), and a locked portion (17) that is provided at the base side surface of a male terminal, and which prevents, when temporarily mounted to the male connector, the movement of the male terminal towards the base side by the locked portion being in contact with the locking portion; a female connector (5); and a lever (31) which includes an engaging portion (19), and makes a prescribed limited movement relative to the female connector, and when the female connector, and the aligning plate are detached from the male connector, the engaging portion engages with the engaged portion of the aligning plate, and the aligning plate is moved away from the male connector.