Connector Assembly Detection Member Positioning for Bolt Collision Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connector assemblies for high-voltage applications, such as those in hybrid or electric vehicles, face issues with size increase due to the placement of detection members, which can lead to collisions with bolt fasteners, compromising reliability and safety.
Innovation Solution
The connector assembly incorporates a first detection member positioned inwardly within the inner chamber, adjacent to the opening, allowing for a compact design that prevents collisions with bolt fasteners while maintaining electrical interlock functionality through a second detection member connected to the cover, ensuring safe current flow only when the cover is securely in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the first detection member is disposed separately from the terminals to avoid hitting of a bolt fastener, then the reliability is improved, but the size of the connector receptacle and connector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first detection member is repositioned from a separate location to a position between adjacent connector receptacle terminals, utilizing the spatial dimension between terminals to achieve both collision avoidance and size reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The first detection member is integrated into the terminal arrangement by positioning it between adjacent terminals, merging its function with the existing terminal structure rather than treating it as a separate component
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a connector assembly having a small size and preventing a contact between a bolt fastener and a detection member. The connector assembly includes a connector having an inner chamber with an opening and a plurality of connector terminals, a connector receptacle having a plurality of connector receptacle terminals securable together with the connector terminals and a first detection member, and a cover for covering the opening and having a second detection member. When the opening of the inner chamber is covered with the cover, the first detection member and the second detection member are connected together and detect that the cover is covered. The first detection member is disposed between the adjacent connector receptacle terminals. An end surface of the first housing is positioned inwardly of the inner chamber with respect to a surface of a connector electrical contact portion.