Electrical Connector Visual Insertion Status Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical connectors make it difficult to visually confirm whether a flat conductive member is completely or incompletely inserted, as the lock releasing portion protrudes regardless of the insertion status, complicating the determination of incomplete insertion.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector with a movable member that changes its position based on the insertion status of the flat conductive member, featuring a display portion that protrudes when the member is completely inserted and retracts when incompletely inserted, allowing for easy visual confirmation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a lock releasing portion is provided to enable removal of the flat conductive member, then the flat conductive member can be easily removed, but it becomes difficult to visually confirm whether the flat conductive member is completely or incompletely inserted
Solution Approach 1:
The display portion utilizes visual indication (analogous to color change principle) to show different insertion states. When the flat conductive member is completely inserted, the display portion protrudes from the housing; when incompletely inserted, it remains retracted. This visual differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing clear visual feedback while maintaining the lock releasing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The display portion acts as an intermediary element that provides visual information about insertion status without interfering with the locking mechanism's primary function. It mediates between the locking mechanism and the user, conveying insertion status information clearly while the lock releasing portion continues to enable easy removal when needed.
2Ease of operation
If the lock releasing portion protrudes regardless of insertion status, then it is always accessible for operation, but the insertion status cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into functionally independent parts: the lock releasing portion for removal operation and the display portion for visual indication. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and information provision.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves multiple functions: it contains the locking mechanism, provides the display portion for visual indication, and guides the flat conductive member during insertion. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by integrating both accessibility and information display within the same structural framework.
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 straightforward visual verification of the insertion status, facilitating correct connection and preventing misinsertion by using a movable member that automatically returns to its standard position upon complete insertion.
Implementation Method 1
the movable member is movable between an insertion allowing position and a pulling out preventing position relative to the housing
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(A)~3(C)
AI summary
An electrical connector (1) includes a housing (10) including a receiving portion (11) for inserting a flat conductive member (C); a plurality of terminals (20, 30) arranged in a terminal arrangement direction; and a movable member (50). The movable member is supported on the housing so that the movable member is movable between an insertion allowing position and a pulling out preventing position relative to the housing. The movable member includes an operation portion and a display portion (55E). The display portion is configured to be able to protrude and retract relative to an outer surface of the housing different from a surface where the operation portion is disposed.