Connector Guide Block Detection Plate Incomplete Fitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional continuity testing devices face challenges in detecting incomplete-fitting of connectors with retainer recesses, leading to inaccurate detection, potential damage, and increased costs due to the need for separate devices for step-like connectors.
Innovation Solution
A continuity testing device with a connector guide block and detection plate that moves vertically to contact incompletely fitted retainers, using a drive mechanism and pivotally-movable lever to detect incomplete-fitting without manual intervention, and sharing components with vertical insertion devices to reduce costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a detection projection is provided in the connector insertion part to detect incomplete-fitting of the retainer, then the incomplete-fitting can be detected, but it is difficult to provide the detection projection for step-like connectors with recesses
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the detection projection in the connector insertion part (as in conventional devices), the patent inverts the approach by placing the detection projection on the connector guide block that guides the connector from above. This allows the detection projection to contact the retainer during downward insertion, enabling detection for step-like connectors without requiring modification to the insertion part structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the insertion direction from horizontal (conventional) to vertical downward insertion. This dimensional change allows the detection projection to be positioned on the connector guide block above the insertion part, enabling it to contact the retainer during insertion and detect incomplete-fitting for step-like connectors.
2Measurement precision
If a detection projection contacts the protruded retainer to prevent further insertion, then incomplete-fitting is detected, but the worker hardly notices the contact and may cause damage to the retainer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a switch that is activated when the detection pin contacts the retainer during insertion. This provides immediate feedback through an indicator light or signal, alerting the worker to the incomplete-fitting condition. The feedback mechanism prevents retainer damage by stopping the insertion process before excessive force is applied.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical detection projection contact method with a detection pin and switch system. The detection pin makes contact with the retainer and triggers an electrical switch, which provides both detection capability and worker notification, reducing the risk of retainer damage from unnoticed contact.
3Measurement precision
If a separate continuity testing device is provided for step-like connectors, then detection capability is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the connector guide block multi-functional by equipping it with both guiding function (guiding connector insertion) and detection function (detecting incomplete-fitting of retainer). This universal design allows a single device to handle both conventional and step-like connectors, eliminating the need for separate testing devices and reducing costs.
Data Source
AI summary
A continuity testing device is provided which can reliably detect incomplete-fitting of the retainer of the connector. The continuity testing device includes a connector guide block into which the connector is inserted in a transverse direction and which is fixed above an opening formed on a cover plate of a case of the continuity testing device, a detection plate provided to the connector guide block and arranged above the connector so as to contact with the incompletely-fitted retainer of the connector when moved downward, a detection pin arranged at the detection plate, a continuity testing part arranged to move in the vertical direction toward the connector, a drive mechanism that operates the detection plate to move in the vertical direction in conjunction with the continuity testing part, and a switch that is activated by the detection pin when the detection pin is completely moved down to the switch.