Connector Cover Taper for Blind Detection Member Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connector design makes it difficult to operate the connection detecting member, especially in environments where the connector cannot be directly seen, due to the placement of protection walls and the bottom wall relative to the operating portion.
Innovation Solution
The connector design includes a housing with a detecting member that can be moved from a standby position to a detection position by displacing the push-in portion forward, and a cover with a tapered portion that allows a finger to easily contact the rear end of the detecting member, facilitating its operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the pair of protection walls are arranged on both left and right sides of the operating portion and the bottom wall is arranged below the operating portion, then the structural protection and support are improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates as it becomes difficult to bring a finger into contact with the operating portion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a finger contact portion as an intermediary element between the finger and the operating portion. This intermediary structure (including the tapered portion and push-in enlarged surface) allows the finger to contact and transmit force to the detecting member without requiring direct contact with the protected operating portion, thus resolving the contradiction between structural protection and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the interaction interface from a single point (the operating portion) to a larger surface area by adding the finger contact portion with tapered portion and push-in enlarged surface. This dimensional expansion in the contact interface allows easier finger access and force application while maintaining the protective enclosure of the original operating portion
2Reliability
If the protection walls and bottom wall are positioned to enclose the operating portion, then the reliability of the connector structure is improved, but the operability in invisible environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The finger contact portion serves as a mediator that allows users to operate the detecting member in invisible environments by providing a tactile reference point. The tapered portion and push-in enlarged surface give tactile feedback to the finger, enabling operation without visual confirmation while the enclosed operating portion maintains structural reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the interaction interface from the protective enclosure by separating the finger contact portion (for operation) from the enclosed operating portion (for reliability). This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function independently - the contact portion provides operability in invisible environments while the enclosed portion maintains structural integrity
Data Source
AI summary
A connector of the present disclosure includes a housing, a detecting member displaceable or pushable forward from a standby position to a detection position, and a cover mounted on a rear end part of the housing. The cover includes a cover lock portion, a vertical portion provided on a rear end of the cover lock portion and a tapered portion continuous from the vertical portion. A rear end of the detecting member at the standby position is disposed at a position behind the vertical portion and along the tapered portion.