Connector Cover Mechanism for Automatic Tab Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector devices face issues with the male tab being broken due to interference with external objects when disconnected, requiring manual retraction of the terminal protecting member, which complicates the reconnection process.
Innovation Solution
A connector device with a male connector featuring a terminal holding portion and a displaceable cover that moves between protection and retracted positions, and a female connector with a pushing portion that locks the cover in place during connection and separation, ensuring the male tab is protected and eliminating the need for manual retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the terminal protecting member is kept at the retracted position to enable connection, then the male tab is exposed and vulnerable to external damage, but keeping it at the protection position prevents damage while requiring manual retraction afterward
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically manages the cover position through mechanical interactions during connection and disconnection. The female connector's pushing portion automatically retracts the cover during connection, and the lock mechanism automatically returns the cover to protection position during disconnection, eliminating the need for manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is pre-positioned at the protection position before connection occurs. The locking mechanism is designed to automatically return the cover to protection position upon disconnection, preparing the system for the next connection cycle without manual intervention
2Ease of operation
If the cover is automatically returned to protection position upon disconnection, then manual retraction is eliminated, but the locking mechanism adds structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is integrated with the existing connector structures. The locking projection on the cover interacts with the locking recess on the female connector, combining the automatic return function with the connection interface without adding separate complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The pushing portion of the female connector serves dual functions: it pushes the cover to retracted position during connection and engages with the locking projection to return the cover to protection position during disconnection, eliminating the need for dedicated separate mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A connector device (A) includes male terminal fittings (32) having tabs (34) projecting forward from terminal bodies (33), and a holder (18) for holding the terminal bodies (33). A cover (22) is mounted on the holder (18) and is slidable between a protection position for covering the tabs (34) and a retracted position retracted from the protection position to expose the tabs (34). A pushing portion (50) of a female connector (40) pushes the cover (22) from the protection position to the retracted position while connecting the connectors (10, 40). A locking projection (31) and a locking recess (51) are formed on the cover (22) and the female connector (40) and serve as locks to pull back the cover (22) from the retracted position to the protection position by being locked to each other in the process of separating the female connector (40) from the male connector (10).