Connector Assembly Fitting Detection Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies have issues with accurately detecting the locked fitting state of connectors due to premature contact between detection terminals and short-circuit members, leading to unreliable fitting detection circuits with poor wiping effects and series configuration of contact points.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly with a fitting detection mechanism featuring first, second, and third contact points arranged in series between terminals and sockets, where the second spring piece is initially in contact with the first spring piece, and upon fitting, is pushed and separated to allow wiping contact for closing the detection circuit, and then restored to close the second contact point, enhancing reliability and reducing foreign matter-induced connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If detection terminals contact short-circuit members early during fitting, then the fitting detection circuit closes early, but the fitting state cannot be accurately detected because contact occurs before locking is complete
Solution Approach 1:
The detection circuit is segmented into multiple contact points (first contact point between first terminal and first socket, second contact point between second terminal and second socket, third contact point between spring pieces) arranged in series. This segmentation ensures that all contact points must be established for the circuit to close, preventing premature detection and ensuring accurate fitting state detection only when all connections are properly made.
2Measurement precision
If contact points are arranged in series between terminals and sockets, then detection accuracy improves, but the circuit configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The detection circuit merges multiple functional elements into a unified series configuration: detection terminals, sockets, and spring pieces are combined into a single detection path. This merging approach simplifies the overall structure while maintaining high detection precision, as the series arrangement of contact points naturally ensures that all connections must be established for circuit closure.
3Ease of operation
If spring pieces make initial contact before fitting, then the circuit can be completed, but foreign matter may cause false connections reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The spring pieces are pre-positioned to make initial contact with their respective sockets before the main fitting operation. This preliminary action ensures that the detection circuit is ready to close as soon as the terminals are properly connected, facilitating easy circuit completion while the series configuration and wiping action prevent foreign matter interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring pieces are designed to be movable and elastic, allowing them to dynamically adjust during the fitting process. This dynamic characteristic enables the spring pieces to maintain reliable contact through the wiping action while accommodating variations in fitting alignment, ensuring both ease of operation and connection reliability.
4Reliability
If wiping action is applied to contact points, then foreign matter is removed improving reliability, but the wiping distance must be sufficient which increases mechanism complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting operation itself provides the wiping action through the relative movement between terminals and sockets during insertion. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate wiping mechanisms, as the natural fitting motion adequately cleans the contact surfaces while establishing reliable electrical connections.
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
The solution reliably detects the locked fitting state of connectors with improved wiping effectiveness and increased reliability of the detection circuit, reducing the risk of poor electrical connections and enhancing the overall accuracy of the fitting detection mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a second spring piece (34) integrally formed at the second socket (30)... the second spring piece (34) is pushed by the manipulation lever (16) and separated from the first spring piece (31)... the second spring piece (34) is restored to the initial position
Implementation Method 2
the first terminal (25) and the second terminal (26)... are, as wiping in the fitting direction, brought into contact with the first socket (29) and the second socket (30) so that the first contact point and the third contact point are closed
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly includes a first connector having a first terminal and a second terminal which are used for fitting detection, a second connector fitted with the first connector, a manipulation lever for use in fitting the second connector with the first connector along a fitting direction, a fitting lock mechanism adapted to lock a fitting state of the first connector and the second connector and a fitting detection mechanism disposed at the second connector and adapted to short-circuit between the first terminal and the second terminal when the first connector and the second connector are fitted with each other, the fitting detection mechanism having a first contact point, a second contact point and a third contact point that are arranged in series between the first terminal and the second terminal when the first connector and the second connector are fitted with each other.