Connector Housing Structure for Controlled Detachment Tilt
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors face issues with partner connector inclination, leading to excessive force on thin end walls during detachment, which can result in damage due to bending stress.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an inclination restriction portion in the connector housing with a predetermined clearance to restrict the maximum inclination angle of the partner connector, reducing the risk of damage by distributing the contact force effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the partner connector is allowed to incline freely during detachment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the strength of the end walls deteriorates due to excessive bending stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the housing by adding an inclination restriction portion with a specific inclination angle (α). This parameter change limits the maximum inclination angle of the partner connector during detachment, thereby controlling the bending stress on end walls while still allowing some inclination for ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclination restriction portion is positioned asymmetrically within the housing, creating a unilateral constraint on partner connector inclination. This asymmetric design allows the connector to incline in one direction up to a certain angle while preventing excessive inclination that would cause damage to the end walls.
2Reliability
If the inclination restriction portion is positioned close to the partner connector, then the reliability is improved by preventing damage, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inclination restriction portion is integrated into the existing housing structure, serving multiple functions: it restricts partner connector inclination, provides structural support, and maintains electrical insulation. This multi-functionality approach prevents damage while avoiding additional complex components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the inclination restriction function with the existing housing structure by forming the inclination restriction portion as part of the housing body. This integration combines the protective function with the structural framework, improving reliability without significantly increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a connector including a housing. The housing has a terminal array wall, an insertion/detachment direction restriction portion provided in an area defined by the terminal array wall and contacts the partner connector to set a maximum depth position of the partner connector upon fitting, and an inclination restriction portion. The inclination restriction portion is, at a position outside the area defined by the terminal array wall, positioned with a predetermined clearance from a corresponding portion of the partner connector at the maximum depth position upon fitting in a connector insertion/detachment direction. Upon detachment of the partner connector, when the partner connector is inclined such that a one-end-side portion of the partner connector is lifted, the other-end-side portion of the partner connector contacts the inclination restriction portion in the connector insertion/detachment direction to restrict inclination of the partner connector with an angle greater than a predetermined angle.