Connector Front Mask Thickness Layout for Positional Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connector structure is prone to positional displacement and deformation of the front mask due to insufficient rigidity, leading to gaps that allow foreign matter entry when subjected to external forces from electric wires.
Innovation Solution
Enhance the rigidity of the front mask by increasing the thickness at both end portions, accompanied by structural modifications to the housing to accommodate the changed thickness and disperse stress, thereby preventing positional displacement and deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the front mask is made with uniform thickness, then the manufacturing is simple, but the rigidity is insufficient causing positional displacement and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The front mask is designed with non-uniform thickness distribution, where the end portions have greater thickness than the center portion. This local variation in thickness provides enhanced rigidity at the end portions to prevent positional displacement and deformation, while maintaining overall structural simplicity. The thicker end portions specifically address the rigidity issue without requiring complete redesign of the entire front mask structure.
2Reliability
If the front mask has sufficient rigidity, then positional displacement is prevented, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The front mask incorporates localized thickness increases at the end portions rather than uniformly increasing thickness throughout. This targeted approach enhances positional stability and prevents deformation at critical areas where external forces are applied, while avoiding unnecessary structural complexity in regions where rigidity is already sufficient.
3Strength
If the front mask thickness is increased uniformly, then rigidity is enhanced, but the housing structure must be modified to accommodate the increased thickness
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly increasing front mask thickness which would require comprehensive housing modifications, the invention selectively increases thickness only at the end portions. This localized approach enhances rigidity where needed while minimizing the impact on housing structure and manufacturing processes, as the housing only needs to accommodate the thicker end portions rather than the entire front mask.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector that is allowed to be fitted to a mating connector including a housing configured to be fitted to the mating connector through insertion of a front surface of the housing into an opening portion of the mating connector, and a rectangular and tabular front mask that has a hole through which a terminal of the mating connector is inserted, and is attached to the front surface of the housing, wherein the plate thicknesses at both end portions of the front mask on short sides of the rectangle are larger than the plate thickness at a center portion of the front mask.