Connector Detection Resilient Arm Circuit Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors cannot reliably electrically detect the connected state of two housings, leading to potential misjudgment of connection completion due to noise interference and lack of assurance in operation safety.
Innovation Solution
The connector design includes first and second housings with terminal fittings, a short canceling member, and a resilient arm that deforms to maintain contact between detecting terminals until the connection is complete, ensuring the connected state is accurately detected electrically by opening circuits upon completion, thus preventing erroneous judgments and ensuring safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical detection based on lever rotational position is used, then the connected state can be detected, but electrical detection capability is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mechanical detection (lever rotational position) with electrical detection (detecting terminals contact) into a unified connection state detection system. The electrical detecting terminals are integrated into the mechanical lever structure, allowing both detection methods to work simultaneously and provide complementary information about connection status.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a mechanical connector and a carrier for electrical detecting terminals. This multi-functional design allows the same component to provide both mechanical position indication and electrical signal for connection state detection, eliminating the need for separate detection systems.
2Reliability
If circuits are closed upon connection completion, then connection state can be indicated, but noise interference may cause erroneous judgment
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of closing circuits to indicate connection completion, the patent inverts the logic by opening circuits (creating a break in electrical continuity) to indicate that connection is complete. During the connection process, terminals remain in contact (closed circuit), and only when fully connected do they separate (open circuit), providing a noise-resistant signal that is difficult to misinterpret.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by designing the detecting terminals to maintain contact during the entire connection process, preventing any premature circuit opening that could be misinterpreted as completion. The circuit break is deliberately delayed until all connection actions are fully completed, counteracting the potential harm of early or false positive detection.
3Loss of information
If detecting terminals maintain contact during connection process, then continuous monitoring is achieved, but circuit stability is reduced due to movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flexible intermediary element (the resilient arm or spring mechanism) between the detecting terminals to maintain electrical contact while accommodating mechanical movements during connection. This intermediary absorbs the mechanical instability and motion, allowing the circuit to remain stable and continuous throughout the dynamic connection process without direct rigid contact between moving parts.
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
This design effectively monitors the connection process, preventing false completion judgments and ensuring operational safety by maintaining electrical connection during the process and opening circuits upon completion, even in the presence of noise, thereby enhancing the overall operability of the connector.
Implementation Method 1
A resilient arm is provided in the first housing and is deformable as the first and second housings are connected
Data Source
AI summary
A connector has first and second housings (10, 30) that are connectable with each other. The second housing (30) has second terminal fittings (32), second detecting terminals (39) and short canceling members (37). The first housing (10) has shorting terminals (12) for shorting pairs of the first terminal fittings, a resilient arm (18) that deforms as the housings (10, 30) are connected, and first detecting terminals (11) that deform as the resilient arm (18) is deformed to touch the second detecting terminals (39) for detecting the connected state. The resilient arm (18) is held deformed and the first detecting terminals (11) are held in contact with the second detecting terminals (39) until a connecting operation is completed. The resilient arm (18) resiliently restores to separate the first detecting terminals (11) from the second detecting terminals (32) when the connection is completed.