Connector With Drainage Recess and Partitioning Ridges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors are prone to forming leak passages when liquid splashes on them, especially when mounted horizontally, due to the design of the fitting opening and recesses, which can lead to conductive connections between terminals and result in short circuits.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a tubular fitting opening with a drainage recess and partitioning ridges that are retracted from the fitting opening, allowing for initial positioning by touch and guiding the mating connector, while the drainage recess diverts liquid away from potential leak paths, preventing the formation of conductive pathways between terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a V-shaped cutout is provided in the fitting opening to accommodate the action point projection, then the male connector and female connector can be connected, but liquid pools in the cutout and forms a leak passage causing short circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting opening is segmented into multiple regions by adding partitioning ridges that divide the interior space. These ridges create separate compartments that prevent liquid from forming continuous conductive paths between terminals, while still allowing the action point projection to engage properly for connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution introduces a new dimensional element (partitioning ridges extending into the fitting opening) to address the liquid pooling problem. By adding this vertical partitioning structure, liquid flow paths are disrupted and confined to specific zones, preventing leak passages without interfering with the horizontal connection mechanism.
2Productivity
If the connector is mounted horizontally to facilitate connection, then work efficiency is improved, but liquid runs along the fitting opening and pools in recesses forming leak passages
Solution Approach 1:
The partitioning ridges are pre-configured in the fitting opening structure before connection occurs. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when liquid enters during horizontal mounting, it is immediately directed and contained by the pre-existing ridges, preventing leak passage formation without requiring any additional actions during the connection process.
3Ease of operation
If a clearance is set between the outer wall of the mating connector and inner wall of the receptacle to enable connecting operation, then the connectors can be fitted, but liquid can intrude into the clearance and spread due to surface tension forming a leak passage
Solution Approach 1:
The clearance space is segmented by partitioning ridges that extend into the fitting opening, dividing the continuous clearance into multiple isolated zones. This segmentation prevents liquid from spreading continuously across the clearance, while the clearance itself remains sufficient to allow the mating connector to be fitted and connected.
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 design enhances work efficiency by allowing tactile connection without visual confirmation and effectively prevents the formation of leak passages, ensuring reliable terminal isolation and preventing short circuits.
Implementation Method 1
the drainage recess may include a lower edge inclined down toward the fitting opening. According to this configuration, the liquid divided into upper and lower parts at the front end of the some partitioning ridges is drained toward the fitting opening along the drainage lower edge part
Implementation Method 2
water can intrude into this clearance from the front. If the connector does not include the drainage recess, liquid spreads in the clearance due to surface tension and may form a leak passage
Data Source
AI summary
A connector (1) into which a mating connector (female connector 101) is fittable from front includes a tubular receptacle (40) having a forwardly open fitting opening (50) capable of accommodating the mating connector (101) fit through the fitting opening (50). A drainage recess (70) penetrate in a direction perpendicular to a front-rear direction at a position retracted from the fitting opening (50) in the receptacle (40). Partitioning ridges (60) are at positions retracted from the fitting opening (50) and project in a direction intersecting the front-rear direction from the receptacle (40). A front end (first rib end 61A) of some partitioning ridge (first rib 61) is coupled to and flush with a back wall (72) of the drainage recess (70).