Connector Assembly with Automatic Connection Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector designs fail to visually confirm a completely connected state when the male and female connectors are fully covered, requiring disassembly and reassembly to ensure proper connection.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a cover with two openable and closable half-covers, each with a connection guaranteeing portion that contacts the second connector from behind, allowing complete coverage without visual confirmation of the connection state, but ensuring the connection is guaranteed by completing the assembly of the cover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the male and female connectors are completely covered by the covers, then the connector can be compact and aesthetically pleasing, but the connected state cannot be confirmed visually from outside
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection mechanism (protrusion and inclined surface) that mediates between the covered connector and the cover assembly. This intermediary structure allows the cover to detect connection status indirectly through mechanical interaction, enabling detection without visual exposure of the connector terminals.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover assembly performs self-detection of connection status through its own structural components (protrusion and inclined surface) that automatically interact with the connector during assembly. The system uses itself to detect the state rather than requiring external detection tools or visual inspection.
2Reliability
If the covers are assembled to completely cover the connectors, then the connector is protected and compact, but disassembly and reassembly are required to ensure proper connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the cover assembly provides immediate mechanical feedback about connection status through the protrusion-inclined surface interaction. This feedback allows the operator to confirm proper connection during the assembly process itself, eliminating the need for disassembly and reassembly to verify connection quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection structure is built into the cover assembly beforehand, so that connection detection capability is prepared in advance. The protrusion and inclined surface are pre-positioned to automatically detect connection status as the cover is being assembled, rather than requiring post-assembly verification.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the connection guaranteeing portion contacts the second connector from behind, then the connection state can be detected without visual inspection, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cover assembly serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical protection for the connectors, enables connection detection through the protrusion-inclined surface mechanism, and guides proper assembly through the same structural features. By making the cover multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated detection components that would increase complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the detection function with the protective cover structure itself. The protrusion and inclined surface are integrated into the cover assembly rather than being separate detection devices, combining protection and detection functions into a single unified structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the detection of a completely connected state without visual inspection, allowing for a seamless transition from an incompletely connected to a completely connected state by pushing the second connector toward the first using inclined surfaces, ensuring the connection is secure and maintaining a compact size.
Implementation Method 1
The protrusion may have an inclined surface for pushing the second connector in an incompletely connected state toward the first connector
Data Source
AI summary
It is aimed to guarantee the connection of a connector by completing the assembling of a cover. A connector (10) of the present disclosure includes a first connector (20), a second connector (30) and a cover (40). The first connector (20) and the second connector (30) are connectable to each other and completely covered by the cover (40) in a completely connected state. The cover (40) includes a first cover (41) for accommodating the first connector (20) inside and a second cover (42) for accommodating the second connector (30) inside. The second cover (41) includes a pair of openable and closable second half covers (42U, 42L). The half cover (42U, 42L) includes a connection guaranteeing portion for coming into contact with the second connector (30) in the completely connected state from behind.