Connector Grommet Visual Locking Status Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
It is difficult to visually confirm the half-locked state of a connector's locking projection in a panel, as the slight bulging of the grommet is not easily visible, requiring manual confirmation which can be challenging in narrow spaces.
Innovation Solution
A connector design with a flexible arm and sensing part that tilts when the locking projection is not locked, allowing for visual confirmation of the locking status by positioning the sensing part and receiving part to indicate the locking state through distinct orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the sensing piece is covered with the thin part of the grommet, then the grommet structure remains simple and compact, but the bulging of the thin part becomes difficult to visually confirm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sensing piece as an intermediary element between the locking projection and the grommet. The sensing piece transfers the locking state information to the grommet by pressing against it, causing visible bulging. This mediator makes the invisible locking status visually detectable without complicating the overall grommet structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes visual changes in the grommet's physical state (bulging) to indicate different locking conditions. The thin part of the grommet changes its shape from flat to bulged, providing a clear visual signal of the locking status without requiring additional indicators or complex mechanisms.
2Device complexity
If manual confirmation by touching the grommet is required, then visual confirmation structure can be simplified, but the ease of operation deteriorates in narrow work spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual indicator system using the bulging of the grommet's thin part. This allows operators to confirm locking status from a distance without needing to physically touch the grommet, significantly improving ease of operation especially in narrow or difficult-to-reach work spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing piece acts as a mediator that converts the mechanical locking action into a visible visual signal. This intermediary mechanism eliminates the need for direct manual contact with the grommet, making the confirmation process easier and more accessible.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the sensing part protrudes outward than the flange, then the sensing part can be received in the receiving part of the panel contact part for visual indication, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the sensing piece is received within the receiving part formed on the panel contact part. The sensing piece fits into this receiving part like a nested element, allowing visual indication while maintaining a compact overall structure. The receiving part is formed as an indentation or cavity in the panel contact part that accommodates the sensing piece.
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
Enables easy and reliable visual confirmation of the locking status, ensuring proper assembly and preventing water ingress while maintaining waterproof performance.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible arm extending forward is formed on the flange so as to protrude from the flange, the locking projection is provided at a front of the flexible arm, a sensing part configured to sense whether the locking projection is locked to the panel, is provided at a rear of the flexible arm so as to protrude outward than the flange, the sensing part is received in a receiving part formed on the panel contact part, and the sensing part and the receiving part tilt when the locking projection is not locked to the panel
Data Source
AI summary
A connector with a grommet includes a housing and a grommet. A panel hooking portion, a flange, and a locking projection are formed on an outside of the housing. The grommet includes a panel contact part that comes into tight contact with an edge of a mounting hole of a panel. A flexible arm is formed on the flange so as to protrude from the flange. The locking projection is provided at a front of the flexible arm. A sensing part configured to sense whether the locking projection is locked to the panel, is provided at a rear of the flexible arm so as to protrude outward than the flange. The sensing part is received in a receiving part formed on the panel contact part. When the locking projection is not locked to the panel, the sensing part and the receiving part tilt.