Connector Functional Portion Sink Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large thick ribs in connectors are prone to deformation during the molding process, leading to 'sinks' that can prevent proper fitting and compromise the prying preventing function.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring block-like main bodies with projection-like functional portions made of synthetic resin, where terminal accommodating chambers are integrated into these projections to prevent sink formation, allowing for larger functional portions without deformation, and providing a prying preventing function by engaging with a receptacle's groove.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the rib is thickened to increase strength and enhance the prying preventing function, then the reliability of the prying preventing function is improved, but sinks are likely to form during the molding process causing deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The projection-like functional portion is segmented by forming a terminal accommodating chamber within it, dividing the solid resin structure into regions separated by the chamber walls. This segmentation reduces the overall resin volume in the projection, preventing sink formation during molding while maintaining the external dimensions needed for prying prevention and positioning functions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the internal parameter (resin volume distribution) of the projection-like functional portion by introducing a terminal accommodating chamber. This allows the external dimensions to remain large for functional reliability while the internal cavity structure prevents molding defects, effectively decoupling the external size requirements from the internal material distribution
2Reliability
If a large thick rib is used for positioning and prying prevention, then the positioning function reliability is improved, but the connector diameter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention moves the terminal accommodating function from the external perimeter (which would increase diameter) to an internal dimension by forming chambers within the projection-like functional portion. This allows the connector to maintain a compact external diameter while providing adequate terminal accommodation space through internal cavity structures
Data Source
AI summary
A female connector (F) includes a block-like main body (11) formed with terminal accommodating chambers (17). Projection-like functional portions (16) made of synthetic resin project from outer surfaces of the main body (11) and terminal accommodating chambers (17) are formed in the projection-like functional portions (16). Terminal fittings (40) are accommodated into the terminal accommodating chambers (17). Spaces constituting the terminal accommodating chambers (17) are present in the projection-like functional portions (16). Thus, even if the projection-like functional portions (16) are enlarged, sinks will not form in the projection-like functional portions (16) in a molding process.