Pivoting Connector Cover for Protected Fitting Guidance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connector guide mechanisms expose protrusion portions, which are susceptible to damage and foreign matter adhesion, leading to interference and potential entry into sockets.

Innovation Solution

A connector fitting structure with a connector cover that pivots between closed and open positions, accommodating and exposing a guide protrusion portion to protect it from damage and foreign matter, ensuring secure fitting and electrical connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the protrusion portion is always exposed for fitting guidance, then the fitting operation is facilitated, but the protrusion portion is susceptible to damage and foreign matter adhesion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefitting operationVSAvoidprotrusion portion protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connector cover is designed to pivot between open and closed positions, dynamically changing the exposure state of the guide protrusion portion. When open, the protrusion is exposed for fitting guidance; when closed, it is protected from damage and foreign matter. This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt its state based on operational needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connector cover acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the need for protrusion exposure (fitting guidance) and the need for protrusion protection. By positioning the cover between the protrusion and the external environment, it provides conditional protection while allowing controlled access during fitting operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the protrusion portion is exposed, then fitting guidance is provided, but foreign matter may adhere and enter the socket

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefitting guidanceVSAvoidforeign matter adhesion
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pivotable connector cover dynamically controls the exposure of the guide protrusion portion. During normal operation, the cover remains closed to prevent foreign matter adhesion. During fitting operations, the cover opens to provide guidance, thus resolving the contradiction between providing guidance and preventing foreign matter contamination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connector cover serves as a protective intermediary that shields the guide protrusion portion from foreign matter while still allowing the protrusion to perform its fitting guidance function when the cover is opened. This intermediary structure prevents direct contact between foreign matter and the protrusion surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the connector cover is always closed for protection, then the protrusion portion is protected, but fitting operation becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotrusion portion protectionVSAvoidfitting operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connector cover is designed with pivotability, allowing it to transition from a closed protective state to an open operational state. This dynamic capability enables the system to maintain protection during normal operation while providing easy access for fitting operations, resolving the contradiction between constant protection and operational ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12424786B2Connector fitting structure
Publication Date: 2025.09.23 YAZAKI CORP
  • US12424786B2 patent drawing
  • US12424786B2 patent drawing
  • US12424786B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A connector fitting structure includes: a first connector including: a first housing that accommodates a first connection terminal; and a guide groove provided in the first housing; a second connector including: a second housing that accommodates a second connection terminal; a guide protrusion portion inserted into the guide groove; and a connector cover pivotable between a closed position that covers an opening to an accommodation space for the second connection terminal and an open position that does not cover the opening. The first connector and the second connector are fitted and electrically connected to each other. The guide protrusion portion is provided on the connector cover, accommodated in the second housing when the connector cover is in the closed position, and exposed outside the second housing and extended along a fitting direction of the first connector and the second connector when the connector cover is in the open position.