Connector Assembly With Guide-First Alignment and Seal Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connector assemblies face poor operability during mounting, particularly when the first and second connectors are fitted together using axial force from a bolt, requiring manual support and precise alignment.
Innovation Solution
The connector assembly incorporates a first housing with a tube part, a temporary holding part, and guide parts. The temporary holding part uses frictional force with a seal ring to temporarily hold the second housing before the seal ring is fitted, while the guide parts guide the fitting of the first housing along the fitting direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the first terminal and second terminal are fitted together using axial force from a bolt, then the connectors can be securely connected, but the operator must manually support the second housing while threading the bolt, resulting in poor operability
Solution Approach 1:
The guide part performs preliminary alignment action before the actual fitting process. The guide part extends further forward than the temporary holding part and is inserted into the insertion target part first, establishing proper alignment and guiding the fitting direction before the temporary holding part engages with the seal ring. This preliminary guidance action eliminates the need for manual alignment support during bolt installation.
2Manufacturing precision
If high manufacturing precision is used for connector fitting, then accurate alignment is achieved, but the complexity and cost of manufacturing increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guide part acts as an intermediary element between the first and second housings. Instead of relying on high-precision mating surfaces of the housings themselves, the guide part provides a dedicated alignment interface that guides the second housing into proper position. This intermediary structure absorbs the alignment function, allowing the main housing components to be manufactured with lower precision while still achieving accurate fitting.
3Ease of operation
If the temporary holding part uses frictional force with the seal ring, then the second housing is temporarily held without manual support, but the seal ring must be protected from being turned up during the process
Solution Approach 1:
The guide part performs a preliminary protective action by being inserted first and establishing proper alignment before the temporary holding part engages with the seal ring. This preliminary guidance prevents misalignment that could cause the temporary holding part to catch or turn up the seal ring during the friction-based holding process. The guide part essentially pre-positioned the components to avoid harmful effects during the subsequent friction engagement.
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
This configuration enhances operability by allowing for easier alignment and fitting of the connectors without the need for high-accuracy manufacturing, and prevents the seal ring from being turned up during mounting.
Implementation Method 1
the temporary holding part is configured to temporarily hold the second housing using a frictional force with the seal ring in a state before the seal ring is fitted within the tube part
Data Source
AI summary
A first housing includes a first tube part within which a seal ring provided in a second housing is to be fitted; temporary holding parts extending along a fitting direction from a front end portion of the first tube part in the fitting direction; and guide parts (first guide part and second guide part) extending further forward than the temporary holding parts in the fitting direction. The temporary holding parts are configured to temporarily hold the second housing using a frictional force with the seal ring in a state before the seal ring is fitted within the first tube part. The guide parts are configured to guide fitting of the first housing along the fitting direction by being inserted into insertion target parts of the second housing before the temporary holding parts come into contact with the seal ring.