Connector Backlash Prevention via Segmented Ribs and Escaping Grooves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors fail to reliably prevent backlash between male and female housings, leading to insufficient prevention of fine sliding abrasion between terminal fittings.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a fitting projection and backlash preventing rib, where the fitting projection is inserted into a fitting groove with a backlash preventing rib, and an escaping groove allows the projection to pass through the front wall, ensuring the rib is squeezed to prevent backlash, with tapered surfaces for gradual squeezing and improved connection feeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a backlash preventing rib and fitting groove structure is used between the male housing and front wall, then backlash is prevented via another member, but clearance between the female housing and front wall causes insufficient backlash prevention and fine sliding abrasion between terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The backlash preventing rib is segmented into multiple ribs (first, second, third, and fourth backlash preventing ribs) positioned at different locations around the fitting groove. This segmentation allows each rib to independently prevent backlash in its specific region, ensuring comprehensive backlash prevention even with the presence of clearance between the female housing and front wall.
Solution Approach 2:
Different types of backlash preventing ribs are positioned at specific locations based on local requirements. For example, the first and second ribs are positioned to prevent backlash in specific directions, while the third and fourth ribs address other directional requirements. This localized approach ensures optimal backlash prevention at each critical position.
2Reliability
If the fitting projection is inserted into the fitting groove with backlash preventing rib, then backlash is prevented, but the connection operation may be rough without gradual engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting projection is designed with a leading portion that makes initial contact with the backlash preventing rib before full engagement. This preliminary contact gradually compresses the rib and guides the fitting projection into the fitting groove, ensuring smooth connection operation while maintaining reliable backlash prevention throughout the engagement process.
3Reliability
If multiple backlash preventing ribs are positioned at specific locations, then comprehensive backlash prevention is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each backlash preventing rib is designed to serve multiple functions: preventing backlash in specific directions, guiding the fitting projection during engagement, and providing structural support to the fitting groove. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving comprehensive backlash prevention.
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
The solution effectively prevents backlash and fine sliding abrasion between male and female terminal fittings, providing a reliable and smooth connection operation.
Implementation Method 1
backlash is prevented by opposite skirt portions of the backlash preventing rib and opening edges of the fitting groove squeezing each other
Data Source
AI summary
A connector has a male housing (10) with a forwardly open receptacle (11) and a female housing (40) with a terminal accommodating portion (42) that fits into the receptacle (11). A front wall (70) is mounted on a front of the terminal accommodating portion (42) and provides terminal insertion holes (55). Fitting projections (20) are formed on an inner peripheral surface of the receptacle (11), and fitting grooves (60) are formed on an outer peripheral surface of the terminal accommodating portion (42) for receiving the fitting projections (20). Backlash preventing ribs (61) are formed on inner surfaces of the fitting grooves (60) and are squeezed between inner surfaces of the fitting grooves (60) and outer surfaces of the fitting projections (20). The front wall (70) has escaping grooves (80) configured to allow the fitting projections (20) to be passed therethrough with a clearance and inserted into the fitting grooves (60).