Connector Fitting Detection Member Unintentional Release Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors with fitting detection members are prone to unintentional separation due to external forces, leading to potential unintended release of the fitted state, and have complex shapes that complicate manufacturing and workability.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a fitting detection member with a temporary and complete engagement position, along with a deflection regulator and engagement member, which prevents unintentional release by regulating the deflection of the fitting lock arm and ensuring the detection member remains engaged, allowing for easy detection of the fitted state without additional preventive measures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the fitting detection member is designed to be separable from the housing by pulling with force larger than engagement force, then workability when fitting is released is improved, but the fitting detection member may be unintentionally separated from the housing when excessively large external forces are applied
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting lock arm is divided into two distinct engagement portions: a first engagement portion that engages with the fitting detection member, and a second engagement portion that engages with the housing. This segmentation allows the fitting detection member to be separated independently from the housing, enabling workability improvement without compromising reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting detection member acts as an intermediary element between the operator and the housing. By engaging with the first engagement portion of the fitting lock arm, it provides a controlled interface for separation that prevents direct application of external forces to the housing, thereby preventing unintentional separation while maintaining ease of operation.
2Reliability
If the fitting detection member has a complicated shape to achieve semi-lock structure, then fitting state detection capability is improved, but the mold structure for manufacturing becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting detection member is segmented into distinct functional portions: a detection portion with a specific shape for detecting fitting states, and a lock arm portion that interacts with the fitting lock arm. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection functionality is extracted as a separate detection portion with a specific shape, distinct from the lock arm portion. This extraction allows the detection portion to be manufactured using simpler mold structures while still providing reliable fitting state detection capability.
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 connector effectively prevents unintentional release and simplifies the manufacturing process by maintaining the fitted state through controlled deflection and engagement mechanisms, enhancing workability and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the fitting detection member may be unintentionally separated from the housing when excessively large external forces (impact, vibration and the like exceeding the engagement force) are applied to the fitting detection member. Even if the fitting detection member is unintentionally separated in this way, a fitted state of the connector is maintained by an elastic force of the fitting lock arm
Data Source
AI summary
An engagement member mounted to a first housing allows a movement of a fitting detection member from a complete engagement position to a temporary engagement position without interfering with the fitting detection member and prevents a movement of the fitting detection member in a second direction from the temporary engagement position by interfering with the fitting detection member.