Connector Cover Interlock for Incomplete Fastening Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors may fail to maintain reliable electrical connections due to incomplete fastening of fastening members, which can occur unnoticed even when the cover is assembled, reducing the reliability of the electrical connection.
Innovation Solution
A connector design that includes a cover with detection portions to ensure complete fastening of fastening members, preventing assembly when fastening is incomplete, thereby maintaining electrical connection reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the cover is assembled to the housing without fastening verification, then the assembly process is simple and fast, but the electrical connection reliability deteriorates due to incomplete fastening
Solution Approach 1:
The detection portion is designed to verify fastening completion before the cover assembly is considered complete. The detection portion protrudes into the fastening member's path, and only when the fastening member is fully fastened (past the detection portion) can the cover be successfully assembled. This preliminary verification action prevents incomplete fastening from being hidden by subsequent cover assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection portion acts as an intermediary element between the fastening member and the cover assembly. It serves as a verification mechanism that mediates the fastening process, ensuring that the fastening member has reached its fully fastened position before allowing the cover to be assembled. This intermediary structure provides a reliable check without requiring separate verification steps.
2Reliability
If the detection portion is added to the cover, then the electrical connection reliability is improved by detecting incomplete fastening, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection portion is integrated into the cover assembly, allowing the cover to serve dual functions: both protecting the electrical connection and verifying fastening completion. This multi-functionality approach adds the detection capability without requiring a completely separate verification system, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection portion utilizes the positional parameter of the fastening member during the fastening process. By positioning the detection portion at a specific location that corresponds to the fully fastened state, the system converts the fastening member's positional change into a verification signal. This parameter-based approach adds detection capability through simple geometric positioning rather than complex sensing mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes: a housing; a first terminal housed in the housing; a second terminal housed in the housing and electrically connected to the first terminal; a fastening member electrically connecting the first terminal and the second terminal by fastening; and a cover assembled to the housing and covering a portion where the fastening member is arranged. The cover is provided with a detection portion that abuts against the fastening member when the fastening member is arranged at an incomplete fastening position, and prevents the cover from being assembled to the housing.