Connector Cover Integral Guide Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing case-side connectors require a separate floating mechanism for alignment with terminal blocks, increasing component count, assembly time, and facility requirements.
Innovation Solution
A connector design where the cover housing includes integral preceding guides that slide onto the receptacle's opening edge to guide the cover connector into a proper posture for connection, eliminating the need for a separate floating mechanism and integrating the guide directly into the cover connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a separate floating mechanism is provided to enable alignment, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide structure is merged with the cover housing to form an integrated component. The guide protrusions are directly formed on the cover housing rather than being separate parts, thereby reducing the number of components while maintaining the alignment function.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural enclosure and simultaneously incorporates guide protrusions that perform the alignment function. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated alignment components.
2Manufacturing precision
If a separate floating mechanism is provided, then alignment capability is improved, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the guide structure with the cover housing into a single integrated component, the assembly process is simplified. Fewer parts mean fewer assembly steps and reduced assembly time while maintaining the alignment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide protrusions are pre-formed as integral parts of the cover housing during manufacturing. This preliminary integration eliminates the need for separate assembly operations to install alignment mechanisms, thereby reducing assembly time.
3Manufacturing precision
If a separate floating mechanism is provided, then alignment function is improved, but assembly facilities requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the guide structure with the cover housing reduces the number of discrete components that need to be handled and assembled. This simplification reduces the complexity of assembly facilities and equipment requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector 10 disclosed by an embodiment includes a cover (service cover 20) having a cover housing 21 and a cover connector 40, the cover connector 40 being integrally provided to the cover housing 21, and a device-side connector 50 having a receptacle 52, the cover housing 21 being fittable into the receptacle 52, a mating connector 60 configured to close an interlock circuit by being connected to the cover connector 40 being disposed inside the receptacle 52. The cover housing 21 includes preceding guide portions 27 configured to guide the cover connector 40 into a proper posture to be connectable to the mating connector 60 by sliding on an opening edge part 56 of the receptacle 52 prior to the connection of the cover connector 40 and the mating connector 60.