Connector Detection Member Restraint for Final Lock Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors with detection members lack a mechanism to maintain the detection member in a final locking position, leading to potential damage when external forces are applied, as the detection member can move to a temporary locking position.
Innovation Solution
A connector design that includes a housing with restrained portions and a detection member with restraining portions, which engage in the final locking position to prevent movement to the temporary locking position, ensuring the detection member remains stable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the detection member is movably mounted to detect engagement state, then the detection function is improved, but the detection member cannot be held in the final locking position and may move to temporary locking position under external force
Solution Approach 1:
A restraining portion is introduced as an intermediary element between the detection member and the housing. This restraining portion engages with a corresponding restrained portion on the housing to prevent the detection member from moving from the final locking position to the temporary locking position under external force, while still allowing the detection member to move freely between positions during normal operation.
2Reliability
If the detection member can move between locking positions to detect engagement state, then the detection capability is improved, but the detection member protrudes from housing when in temporary locking position making it vulnerable to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The restraining portion is designed to preemptively counteract external forces that could cause the detection member to move to the temporary locking position. By engaging with the restrained portion on the housing in the final locking position, the restraining portion creates a preliminary counter-force that prevents the detection member from protruding and being exposed to damage risks.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a housing and a detection member. The housing can be engaged with a mating housing. The detection member is movably mounted to the housing, and detects an engagement state of the mating housing and the housing by moving between a temporary locking position and a final locking position. The housing is provided with a restrained portion. The detection member is provided with a restraining portion that is engaged with the restrained portion in the final locking position of the detection member to restrain a movement to the temporary locking position of the detection member.