Waterproof Connector Asymmetric Retainer Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shielded connectors require new back retainers when wire diameters change, leading to potential assembling errors due to identical divided body shapes for uniform wire diameters.
Innovation Solution
A connector design with a retainer composed of divided bodies and a housing with specific mounting portions, including a sensor detected portion and recesses, to prevent assembling errors by detecting misalignment through sensors or physical interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If divided bodies are made identical in shape for uniform wire diameters, then manufacturing is simplified, but assembling errors occur due to lack of differentiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by providing a projection on one divided body and a corresponding recess on another divided body. These asymmetric features ensure that divided bodies can only be assembled in the correct orientation and position, preventing assembling errors while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through the use of otherwise identical divided bodies
2Manufacturing precision
If different shapes are provided for divided bodies to accommodate different wire diameters, then assembly accuracy is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making only局部 (local) modifications to specific divided bodies - adding projections or recesses only where needed for proper assembly. The majority of the divided bodies remain identical in shape, accommodating different wire diameters through the retainer's overall structure rather than through varied divided body shapes
3Device complexity
If no inspection device is used, then device complexity is reduced, but assembling errors go undetected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the divided bodies with self-checking features - projections and recesses that automatically detect assembly errors through physical interference. When divided bodies are assembled incorrectly, the projection and recess do not fit together properly, providing immediate tactile and visual feedback without requiring external inspection devices
Data Source
AI summary
A waterproof connector (10) includes a retainer (30) composed of divided bodies (31, 32), and a housing (11) including a retainer mounting portion (14) into which the retainer is to be mounted. The retainer mounting portion (14) includes a first mounting portion (16) into which a first of the divided bodies (31) is to be mounted and a second mounting portion (17) into which a second divided body (32) is to be mounted. The first and second divided bodies (31, 32) have facing surfaces (31A, 32A) facing each other. The first divided body (31) includes a projection (31C) that projects toward the second divided body (32) from the facing surface (31A) and a sensor detected portion (38) provided on a back surface (31B) adjacent to the facing surface (31A), and the second divided body (32) includes a recess (32B) into which the projection (31C) is to be fit.