Connector Fitting Confirmation via Rear Rib Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fitting confirmation constructions for connectors between circuit boards are difficult to visually confirm proper connection due to obstructions, making it challenging to ensure complete fitting without incurring high costs, especially when connectors are stacked or positioned in a way that obstructs top or side visual confirmation.
Innovation Solution
A fitting confirmation construction that includes a confirmation part on the circuit-board-side connector and a rib on the flat-circuit-element-side connector, positioned to align at the same height and line when viewed from an oblique upper rear position, allowing for simple and cost-effective visual confirmation of proper fitting by aligning the confirmation opening with the rib, which is situated further rearward than the lock projection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fitting confirmation constructions are used with connectors stacked or positioned with obstructions, then connector fitting connection is achieved, but visual confirmation from top or side becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the viewing dimension from top or side views to a rear view direction. By positioning the confirmation opening and rib to be visible from the rear of the connector assembly, the solution bypasses obstructions that block top and side views, enabling visual confirmation in a different spatial dimension.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If visual confirmation is attempted from obliquely upper position at the rear, then some visibility is achieved, but confirmation is still difficult due to obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the confirmation function from complex moving parts or colored markings and implements it through a simple static structure consisting of a confirmation opening and a rib. This extracted confirmation structure is positioned to be directly visible from the rear, eliminating the need for complex mechanisms while maintaining ease of detection.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If expensive visual cues like colored markings or arm movements are used for confirmation, then visual confirmation becomes possible, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses inexpensive static structural elements (confirmation opening and rib) instead of expensive dynamic components or specialized materials. The confirmation structure is formed as part of the connector housing itself, requiring no additional costly materials or complex manufacturing processes, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while enabling visual confirmation.
Data Source
AI summary
A fitting confirmation construction includes a confirmation part in a first connector and a confirmation opening in a second connector. A rib is provided in the confirmation opening. A height of the confirmation part is equal to a height of the rib and the confirmation part and the rib are positioned on a same line, on a viewing direction which is viewed from an obliquely upper position rearward in an inserting direction of the second connector through the confirmation opening, in a state that the second connector is completely fit with the first connector.