Connector Attachment Detection via Engaging Arm Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors lack a means to detect incomplete attachment states, leading to potential separation during vehicle travel due to vibration, as there is no mechanism to ensure proper engagement between locking protrusions and elastic engagement pieces.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a first connector housing with a fitting chamber and an engaging arm that serves as an attachment state detection mechanism, restricting insertion when the attachment is incomplete, allowing for detection of the incomplete attachment state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If locking protrusions and elastic engagement pieces are used to attach connector housings, then the connector housings can be coupled together, but there is no means to detect incomplete attachment states
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging arm serves dual functions: it both attaches the connector housings together and detects incomplete attachment states. The detection function is integrated into the attachment mechanism itself, eliminating the need for separate detection devices. When the engaging arm is pressed by the engaged arm during attachment, it rotates about its rotation axis, and this rotation state directly indicates whether attachment is complete.
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging arm is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical attachment through engagement with the engaged arm, detection of attachment completeness through rotation about its axis, and providing a visual or tactile indicator of attachment state. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by adding detection capability without requiring separate dedicated detection components.
2Ease of operation
If connector housings are allowed to be inserted without detection, then the insertion process is simple, but incomplete attachment may occur leading to separation during vehicle travel
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism automatically detects and prevents incomplete attachment through the engaging arm's rotation mechanism. The operator simply needs to insert the connector housings, and the system itself detects whether attachment is complete through the rotation state of the engaging arm, eliminating the need for separate detection steps while ensuring reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging arm provides immediate feedback about attachment completeness through its rotation state. When the engaged arm presses the engaging arm during insertion, the engaging arm rotates about its rotation axis, providing real-time feedback to the operator about whether proper attachment has occurred, allowing correction if needed before mounting.
3Reliability
If an attachment state detection mechanism is added, then incomplete attachment can be detected, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing engaging arm structure is utilized for detection purposes without adding separate detection components. The engaging arm's rotation about its rotation axis when pressed by the engaged arm serves as the detection mechanism, transforming an existing attachment component into a dual-function element that both attaches and detects attachment state.
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging arm is designed to perform both attachment and detection functions using the same physical component. Its rotation about the rotation axis provides detection capability while its engagement with the engaged arm provides attachment function, eliminating the need for separate detection devices and maintaining structural simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a first connector housing including a first wall. The first connector housing is attachable to a second connector housing such that the first wall opposes a second wall of the second connector housing. The first connector housing includes: a fitting chamber defined at least by the first wall, the fitting chamber allowing a counterpart connector housing to be fitted therein; and an engaging arm provided on the first wall, the engaging arm being configured to engage an engaged arm provided on the second wall of the second connector housing when the first connector housing is completely attached to the second connector housing. The engaging arm serves as an attachment state detection mechanism configured to detect an incomplete attachment state in which the first connector housing is incompletely attached to the second connector housing.