Connector Detection Member Prevents False Positives
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors with connection detecting members are prone to false detection due to curved deformation and separation from the lock protrusion, leading to unreliable connection state detection, especially when external matter interferes or the lock arm is deformed.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a lock arm with a resilient locking piece and a movement restricting portion that prevents the connection detecting member from moving to the detection position unless properly connected, ensuring the member remains at the initial position even if the lock arm is curved or deformed, and includes a turning surface to prevent inverting forces and a stopper surface for reliable return to the initial position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lock arm is made flexible to enable engagement and disengagement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of connection detection deteriorates due to curved deformation and separation from the lock protrusion
Solution Approach 1:
A resilient locking piece is introduced as an intermediary component between the lock arm and the connection detecting member. This locking piece positively engages with the front stop to prevent false movement of the connection detecting member, while allowing the lock arm to remain flexible for easy operation. The locking piece acts as a mediator that decouples the flexibility of the lock arm from the reliability of the detection mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient locking piece provides beforehand cushioning by preemptively preventing curved deformation of the lock arm from causing false detection. The locking piece is designed to engage with the front stop before any false movement can occur, cushioning against the harmful effect of lock arm deformation and ensuring reliable connection detection.
2Extent of automation
If the connection detecting member is held at the initial position by the lock arm to detect unconnected state, then the connection detection function is enabled, but false detection occurs when external matter interferes or the lock arm is deformed
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient locking piece serves as an intermediary that decouples the connection detecting member from direct dependence on the lock arm's position. By positively engaging with the front stop, the locking piece ensures that the connection detecting member's position accurately reflects the true connection state, eliminating false detections caused by lock arm deformation or external interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient locking piece performs preliminary action by preemptively preventing false movement of the connection detecting member. Before any false detection can occur, the locking piece engages with the front stop to restrict movement, ensuring that the connection detecting member only moves to the detection position when a proper connection is actually made.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lock arm is allowed to curve and deform under external interference, then the flexibility and ease of operation are maintained, but the connection detecting member may be pushed to the detection position incorrectly
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional components: the flexible lock arm for engagement, the resilient locking piece for preventing false movement, and the connection detecting member for detection. This segmentation allows the lock arm to maintain its flexibility and adaptability while the locking piece independently ensures detection accuracy by positively engaging with the front stop.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient locking piece acts as an intermediary that protects the connection detection system from the effects of lock arm deformation. It allows the lock arm to remain flexible and adaptable while preventing this flexibility from causing false detections, thereby maintaining both adaptability and reliability.
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
Enhances the reliability of connection detection by preventing false positives and ensuring accurate state detection, even under external interference or deformation, with improved operability and visual confirmation of the initial position.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient locking piece which restricts a movement of the connection detecting member at an initial position to a detection position by contacting the front stop and which allows movement of the connection detecting member to the detection position by being resiliently displaced in a separating direction from the front stop due to interference with the lock
Implementation Method 2
The lock arm is resiliently displaceable in an unlocking direction to be separated from the lock
Data Source
AI summary
A connection detecting member (30) is mounted on a support (20) of a lock arm (15) to be integrally resiliently displaceable, and relatively movable with respect to the support (20) between an initial position and a detection position. A resilient locking piece (32) of the connection detecting member (30) restricts a movement of the connection detecting member (30) to the detection position by contacting a front stop (19) of the lock arm (15) in a state where both housings (10, 50) are not connected or are connected incompletely. The first housing (10) is provided with a movement restricting portion (23) for restricting a movement of the connection detecting member (30) toward the detection position by contact with the connection detecting member (30) when the resilient locking piece (32) is displaced in a separating direction from the front stop (19) due to curved deformation of the lock arm (15).