Connector Asymmetric Notch Positioning Rib Error Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors face challenges in accurately detecting erroneous fitting of the seal member holder, which can lead to improper positioning and potential sealing issues due to the lack of effective positioning mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The connector incorporates a positioning rib and notch system where the positioning rib can only fit correctly into a larger-width notch, causing the seal member holder to bulge outwardly when incorrectly fitted, allowing for detection of erroneous positioning through a special-purpose jig or by preventing the mating connector's housing from engaging with the bulged area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a positioning rib is formed on the first cylindrical wall and fitted in a notch of the second cylindrical wall, then the seal member holder can be positioned in the circumferential direction, but there is still a possibility that the seal member holder is mounted in a wrong direction when multiple notches are provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by making one notch wider than the others. The first notch has a greater width in the circumferential direction compared to the second and third notches. This asymmetric design allows the positioning rib to fit only in the first notch, enabling visual and physical identification of the correct fitting position, thereby eliminating the possibility of wrong-direction mounting while maintaining precise positioning.
2Ease of operation
If multiple notches are provided in the second cylindrical wall for engagement, then the seal member holder can be easily assembled, but it becomes difficult to detect erroneous fitting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetric notch widths to enable error detection. The first notch is wider than the second and third notches, creating a unique geometric feature that can be visually identified. This allows operators to easily detect whether the seal member holder is correctly fitted by observing which notch the positioning rib engages with, maintaining assembly ease while enabling simple error detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies visual differentiation through the asymmetric geometry of the notches. The wider first notch creates a distinct visual appearance compared to the narrower second and third notches, allowing operators to visually identify the correct fitting position without requiring additional markers or complex detection systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If the positioning rib is fitted into a wrong notch, then the seal member holder may be improperly positioned, but there is no mechanism to detect this error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric notch widths as a detection mechanism. The first notch is wider than the other notches, creating a unique fit for the positioning rib. When the positioning rib is correctly fitted into the wider first notch, the correct position is confirmed. If attempted to fit into narrower notches, the mismatched dimensions prevent proper engagement, providing both physical and visual feedback that an error has occurred.
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 solution enables reliable detection of incorrect seal member holder fitting, reducing the risk of improper sealing and part waste, while ensuring stable and accurate positioning of the seal member holder, thereby enhancing the connector's waterproof performance.
Implementation Method 1
engagement holes 207 formed in the second cylindrical wall 202 in spaced-apart relation to the end edge 202a of the second cylindrical wall 202, and engagement convex portions 107 which are formed on and project from the outer periphery of the first cylindrical wall 102 projecting from the case wall 101, and are engaged respectively in the engagement holes 207 by utilizing elastic deformation of the second cylindrical wall 202
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a seal member holder 20 having a second cylindrical wall 22 for fitting on an outer periphery of a first cylindrical wall 2, and a plurality of groove-like notches 25 and a plurality of engagement holes 27 are formed in the second cylindrical wall, and engagement convex portions 7 for engagement with the respective engagement holes are formed on the outer periphery of the first cylindrical wall. One (25A) of the notches 25 in the second cylindrical wall is larger in width than the other notches, and has a spreading fan-like shape when viewed in plane. A positioning rib 5A having a spreading fan-like shape when viewed in plane is formed on and projects from the outer periphery of the first cylindrical wall, and can be properly fitted only in the notch 25A of the spreading fan-like shape so as to position the seal member holder in the circumferential direction, and when the positioning rib is fitted into any (for example, the notch 25B) of the other notches, the positioning rib interferes walls portions of the second cylindrical wall disposed respectively at opposite sides of this wrong notch to bulge part of the second cylindrical wall outwardly.