Connector Fitting Ribs Prevent Oblique Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies fail to prevent a first connector from being inclined obliquely inserted into a second connector receptacle when an erroneous connection preventing rib collides with the receptacle, leading to improper connections.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates fitting ribs on the first connector's outer surface that fit into corresponding grooves on the second connector's inner surface before the erroneous connection preventing rib collides, ensuring the first connector is aligned correctly, and guide ribs that extend in the connecting direction to maintain proper posture, along with a lever mechanism to prevent inclination during connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an erroneous connection preventing rib is provided on the first connector to prevent wrong insertion, then connection accuracy is improved, but the first connector may be inclined obliquely and partially enter the receptacle when collision occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting ribs are positioned to engage with the fitting grooves before the erroneous connection preventing rib collides with the receptacle. This preliminary engagement establishes correct alignment and posture of the first connector relative to the receptacle, ensuring that even if collision occurs, the connector cannot become obliquely inclined. The fitting ribs perform the alignment action in advance, preventing the harmful oblique insertion effect.
2Measurement precision
If the erroneous connection preventing rib is positioned to collide with the receptacle during wrong insertion, then wrong connection is prevented, but the connector may still enter the receptacle at an oblique inclination
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting ribs act as intermediary elements between the first connector and the receptacle. These ribs engage with fitting grooves in the receptacle to mediate the connection process, establishing proper alignment before the erroneous connection preventing rib collides with the receptacle. This intermediary mechanism ensures that the connector maintains correct posture even during collision, preventing oblique insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting ribs perform preliminary alignment by engaging with fitting grooves before the erroneous connection preventing rib collides with the receptacle. This preliminary action establishes the correct orientation and prevents oblique insertion, allowing the collision to occur without harmful effects.
3Reliability
If fitting ribs are added to correct connector posture, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting ribs and erroneous connection preventing rib are integrated into a single connector structure, sharing the same base and working together to achieve both alignment and error prevention functions. This merging reduces overall device complexity compared to having separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting ribs serve multiple functions: they guide the connector into proper alignment, maintain correct posture during insertion, and work in conjunction with the erroneous connection preventing rib to prevent wrong connections. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby reducing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly has a first connector (10) fit into a receptacle (44A) of a second connector (40). An erroneous connection preventing rib (22) and two fitting ribs (21) are provided on an outer surface of a housing (12) of the first connector (10). The erroneous connection preventing rib (22) can enter a groove (47) on an inner surface of the receptacle (44A) during proper connection of the first and second connectors (10, 40), but collides with the receptacle (44A) during erroneous connection. The fitting ribs (21) fit into fitting grooves (48) on the inner surface of the receptacle (44A) both during the proper connection and during the erroneous connection. The fitting ribs (21) fit into the fitting grooves (48) before the collision of the erroneous connection preventing rib (22) with the receptacle (44A) during the erroneous connection.