Connector Half-Fit Detection Using an Integrated Shorting Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connection structures face challenges in reliably detecting a half-fitting state between connectors, as the deformation of short-circuiting members can lead to erroneous detection results, making it difficult to distinguish between normal and half-fitting states visually.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connection structure with a half-fitting detecting mechanism that includes a conductive member in contact with a short-circuiting member and an inspecting member, where the short-circuiting member is non-contact with the inspecting member in a half-fitting state, and shorts with the conductive member when in a normal fitting state, ensuring accurate detection through the engagement of the mating engaging portion with the connector's engaging portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate short-circuiting member is provided in the mating connector to detect half-fitting state, then the half-fitting state can be electrically detected, but the short-circuiting member may deform due to initial failure and produce erroneous detection results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the short-circuiting member and the mating engaging portion into a single integrated structure. The short-circuiting member serves dual functions: detecting half-fitting state through electrical contact and providing mechanical engagement. This integration ensures that only when both electrical and mechanical conditions are satisfied can the connector be considered properly fitted, eliminating erroneous detections caused by separate component failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an inspecting member as an intermediary element that mediates between the short-circuiting member and the detection circuit. The inspecting member makes contact with the short-circuiting member to complete the electrical circuit, providing an additional verification layer. This intermediary mechanism ensures that detection accuracy is maintained even if the short-circuiting member experiences initial deformation or failure.
2Device complexity
If the short-circuiting member is made separate from the mating engaging portion, then the detection mechanism can be simplified, but the structural complexity increases and manufacturing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the short-circuiting member and mating engaging portion into a single integrated component, reducing the total number of parts. This integration simplifies the overall structure and reduces assembly steps, making manufacturing easier while maintaining the detection functionality. The combined structure ensures that the short-circuiting member and engaging portion work together seamlessly without requiring separate alignment procedures.
3Measurement precision
If the inspecting member is in non-contact state with the electrically conductive member, then the half-fitting state can be detected, but the detection mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the inspection function into a separate inspecting member that is electrically connected to the detection circuit but spatially separated from the electrically conductive member. This extraction allows the inspecting member to independently verify the fitting state by making contact with the short-circuiting member, providing accurate detection without requiring complex interaction mechanisms between the inspecting member and electrically conductive member.
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 solution enables reliable detection of the half-fitting state, preventing erroneous results and ensuring consistent electrical connection reliability by utilizing a cantilevered elastic short-circuiting member and a through hole configuration that allows for accurate fitting state assessment.
Implementation Method 1
the short-circuiting member being a cantilevered elastic member extending in the fitting/separating direction
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connection structure comprises a base member, a connector, and a mating connector. The electrical connection structure comprises a half-fitting detecting mechanism including a half-fitting detecting portion in the connector and a short-circuiting member in the mating connector. The half-fitting detecting portion includes a conductive member and an inspecting member. The half-fitting detecting portion allows a half-fitting state to be detected by the short-circuiting member being in non-contact with the inspecting member when in the half-fitting state. The inspecting member short-circuits with the conductive member via the short-circuiting member by the mating engaging portion of the short-circuiting member being engaged with the engaging portion of the connector and being in contact with a contact part of the inspecting member and the short-circuiting member being in contact with the conductive member when in a normal fitting state.