Connector Cover Attaching Structure with Dual-Sided Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors with electric wire covers are prone to falling from the housing due to vibration-induced load, especially when warpage occurs during molding, causing the locking mechanism to release and fail.
Innovation Solution
A cover attaching structure with first and second locking portions on the housing and cover, respectively, where the first locking portion is locked from the outer surface and the second from the inner surface, utilizing projections and grooves to secure the cover in place, preventing displacement and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single locking mechanism (locking piece and locking projecting portion) is used to attach the cover to the housing, then the structure is simple, but the reliability is poor because vibration or warpage can cause the locking to release and the cover to fall
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two independent locking systems: a first locking portion (locking piece and locking projecting portion) and a second locking portion (locking groove and locking protrusion). These segmented locking systems work independently to secure the cover, so if one fails due to vibration or warpage, the other maintains attachment reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanisms are positioned at different locations and orientations on the cover and housing. The first locking portion operates in one dimensional plane while the second locking portion operates in another, providing multi-dimensional constraint that prevents the cover from detaching under various vibration directions.
2Ease of operation
If the locking piece is made flexible by providing slits to accommodate ribs, then the ease of operation is improved for attachment, but the reliability deteriorates because warpage causes bending and locking release
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible locking piece with slits is separated from the rigid second locking portion (locking groove and locking protrusion). The flexible portion maintains ease of operation during attachment, while the rigid second locking portion ensures reliable locking engagement that is not affected by warpage-induced bending.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the locking structure have different mechanical properties: the locking piece containing slits is designed to be flexible for easy attachment, while the locking groove and locking protrusion are designed to be rigid to maintain reliable locking engagement even when the flexible portion bends due to warpage.
Data Source
AI summary
A cover attaching structure in a connector includes: first and second locking portions provided on a first attaching member; and third and fourth locking portions provided on a second attaching member which is attached to the first attaching member. The first locking portion is locked on the third locking portion from an outer surface side of the connector. The second locking portion is locked on the fourth locking portion from an inner surface side of the connector.