Connector Module Claw and Groove Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector technologies face instability issues due to loosening of half shells in butt joint connections and lack of secure locking in socket joint connections, affecting the reliability of signal transmission between male and female connectors.
Innovation Solution
A connector module design featuring claws engaging with an endless groove around a guide tube to securely hold the lead wire holder assembly within a connection housing, combined with a retaining groove and locating pin to ensure stable positioning and secure the connection housing and guide tube together.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a butt joint connection method is used to fasten two half shells, then the connection housing can be assembled, but the half shells easily get loosened affecting connection stability
Solution Approach 1:
The connection housing is divided into two half shells that can be assembled separately and then joined together through the guide tube, allowing ease of manufacture while maintaining connection stability through the claw engagement mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The guide tube is inserted through the two half shells, and the claws on the guide tube engage with the endless groove to nest the components together securely, preventing loosening while maintaining assembly ease
2Reliability
If a socket joint connection method is used to connect the connection housing and the guide tube, then the connection stability is improved, but the connection housing and guide tube cannot be locked in position and can be displaced relative to each other
Solution Approach 1:
The claws are pre-formed on the guide tube with the endless groove positioned to receive them, so that when the guide tube is inserted into the connection housing, the claws automatically engage with the groove to lock the components in position, preventing displacement while maintaining connection stability
3Device complexity
If no locking mechanism is used between the connection housing and guide tube, then the assembly process is simple, but the lead wire holder assembly cannot be securely held and can be displaced
Solution Approach 1:
The guide tube's claws automatically engage with the endless groove on the connection housing through the lead wire holder assembly, creating a self-locking mechanism that secures the assembly without requiring additional locking components, maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A connector module includes a connection housing including an adapter portion, a through slot cut through the adapter portion, a plurality of claws suspending inside the adapter portion and a retaining groove disposed inside the adapter portion, and a lead wire holder assembly including a guide tube inserted into the through slot of the connection housing, an endless groove extended around the periphery of the guide tube and forced into engagement with the claws of the connection housing, a locating block located on the guide tube and positioned in the retaining groove of the connection housing and a lead wire module fastened to the guide tube to hold lead wires inside the guide tube.