Connector Ribs with Curved Cross-Section for Backlash Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors face issues with operability due to high sliding resistance and potential damage to backlash preventing ribs during transportation, which compromises the backlash suppression function.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring ribs with a curved surface cross-section and an inclined portion that contacts a tapered surface within the receptacle, reducing sliding resistance and preventing rib damage, while maintaining effective backlash suppression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If backlash preventing ribs with pointed tips are used to suppress backlash, then backlash suppression function is improved, but the ribs may be scraped off during transportation and operability deteriorates due to high squeezing resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The ribs are designed with a curved surface cross-section instead of pointed tips. The curvature radius is specifically set to be 0.5 mm or more, which prevents the ribs from being scraped off during transportation while maintaining the backlash suppression function. This curved geometry eliminates the need for squeezing during connection, significantly improving operability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the ribs by defining specific curvature radius requirements (0.5 mm or more) and inclination angles (substantially equal to the tapered surface angle). These parameter changes ensure the ribs maintain structural integrity during transportation while providing effective backlash suppression without requiring squeezing force during connection.
2Reliability
If ribs with large height are used to ensure backlash suppression, then backlash suppression function is improved, but sliding resistance increases and operability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The curved surface cross-section of the ribs with a curvature radius of 0.5 mm or more allows the ribs to contact the receptacle surface smoothly during insertion, reducing sliding resistance. This enables effective backlash suppression without requiring excessive rib height or squeezing force, improving operability.
Solution Approach 2:
The ribs are designed to gradually increase in height from the front end toward the rear side, creating a dynamic profile that facilitates smooth insertion. The inclined portion with specific angle matching the tapered surface allows the ribs to progressively engage with the receptacle, reducing resistance during the connection process.
3Ease of manufacture
If ribs with flat cross-section are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but tip parts are easily scraped off during transportation compromising backlash suppression
Solution Approach 1:
The curved surface cross-section with a curvature radius of 0.5 mm or more prevents the rib tips from being scraped off during transportation, maintaining the backlash suppression function. This curved geometry can be efficiently manufactured using standard molding techniques, balancing manufacturing simplicity with reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
By specifying a minimum curvature radius parameter (0.5 mm or more), the invention ensures the ribs have sufficient structural integrity to resist damage during transportation while maintaining manufacturability through standard molding processes. This parameter control reconciles manufacturing ease with functional reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Ribs (71) of a front member (60) can suppress backlash between first and second housings (10, 30) by coming into contact with the inner peripheral surface of a receptacle (12) when the first and second housings (10, 30) are connected properly. A tapered surface (18) is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the receptacle (12) and is inclined in a direction to gradually reduce inner dimensions of the receptacle (12) from an intermediate position of this receptacle (12) in a depth direction toward a back end. Each rib (71) has a curved surface cross-section and is formed to gradually increase a height from a front end in a fitting direction toward a rear end and includes an inclined portion (74) configured to come into contact along the tapered surface (18) of the receptacle (12) as the first and second housings (10, 30) are connected properly.