Connector Structure Cover Assembly Width Minimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector structures face issues with the electric wire cover detaching due to insufficient rigidity and increased width, leading to degraded workability and reduced flexibility in device installation.
Innovation Solution
A connector structure with a cover flange, cover arm, and cover projection that integrates with a rib and rib groove system, allowing secure assembly without elastic deformation, thereby minimizing the connector's width and preventing rattling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the deflection portion is made more rigid to prevent detachment, then assembly security is improved, but workability is degraded due to increased pressing force requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The connector housing is divided into a cover portion and a base portion that can be assembled separately. The cover includes a cover body with a cover groove, and the base includes a base body with a projection that fits into the cover groove. This segmentation allows each part to be manufactured independently with optimal rigidity while maintaining ease of assembly through the groove-projection fitting mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is nested onto the base portion of the connector housing, with the cover groove receiving the projection. This nesting structure provides secure assembly without requiring excessive pressing force, as the grooves and projections are designed to engage naturally during the assembly process, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and workability.
2Reliability
If the engaging claw protrudes to the outer side surface, then engagement function is improved, but connector width increases reducing device flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the engaging claw protrude outward in the lateral direction (increasing width), the engagement mechanism is redesigned to function within the lateral boundaries of the connector. The cover groove and projection system provides engagement functionality without increasing the connector's width, effectively moving the solution to a different spatial dimension.
3Device complexity
If the cover width exceeds the connector housing width to accommodate deflection portions, then assembly structure is simplified, but device flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cover and base portion are merged into an integrated connector housing structure where the cover groove and projection system provide both structural integrity and engagement functionality. This merging eliminates the need for the cover to extend beyond the connector width, maintaining device flexibility while preserving assembly simplicity through the integrated groove-projection design.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector structure includes a first connector housing, a second connector housing accommodating the first connector housing, and a cover which restricts a leading-out direction of a wire led out from the first connector housing. The first connector housing, the second connector housing, and the cover are integrally assembled. The cover includes a cover flange, a cover hood formed on a side in the cover flange, a cover arm protruding from a side opposite to the cover hood in the cover flange, and a cover projection protruding from the side opposite to the cover hood in the cover flange and facing part of the cover arm.