Connector Half-Fitting Detection Using an Integrated Shorting Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connection structures fail to reliably detect a half-fitting state between connectors, which can lead to reduced electrical connection reliability due to the half-fitting state being indistinguishable from a normal fitting state in appearance.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connection structure with a half-fitting detecting mechanism that includes a half-fitting detecting portion in the connector and an electrically conductive short-circuiting member in the mating connector, where the short-circuiting member is deformed to ensure contact with an inspecting member only in a normal fitting state, allowing for accurate detection of half-fitting through short-circuiting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
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 away from its regular position due to initial failure or other factors, producing 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 the half-fitting state through electrical contact and providing mechanical engagement. This integration ensures that the same component responsible for mechanical coupling also performs the detection function, eliminating the risk of discrepancy between mechanical engagement status and detection signal.
Solution Approach 2:
The short-circuiting member is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the detection element for half-fitting state and the engagement element for mechanical coupling. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and ensures that the detection system inherently reflects the actual mechanical state of the connection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the short-circuiting member is separate from the mating engaging portion, then the detection mechanism can be independent, but the structure becomes more complex and the risk of erroneous detection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the short-circuiting member and mating engaging portion into one integrated component, reducing structural complexity while maintaining detection functionality. The unified structure eliminates the need for separate detection and engagement mechanisms, simplifying the overall design and reducing the number of parts that could potentially fail or malfunction independently.
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
The solution enables reliable detection of half-fitting states, ensuring consistent electrical connection reliability by differentiating between normal and half-fitting states, thereby preventing erroneous detection and maintaining stable electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
a short-circuiting member being electrically conductive and provided in the mating connector... an inspecting member being electrically conductive, having a contact part to be in contact with the short-circuiting member
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
An electrical connection structure (1) comprises a base member (2), a connector (3), and a mating connector (4). The electrical connection structure (1) comprises a half-fitting detecting mechanism (10) including a half-fitting detecting portion (31) in the connector (3) and a short-circuiting member (41) in the mating connector (4). The half-fitting detecting portion (31) includes a conductive member (311) and an inspecting member (312). The half-fitting detecting portion (31) allows a half-fitting state to be detected by the short-circuiting member (41) being in non-contact with the inspecting member (312) when in the half-fitting state. The inspecting member (312) short-circuits with the electrically conductive member (311) via the short-circuiting member (41) by a mating engaging portion (41a) of the short-circuiting member (41) being engaged with an engaging portion (311a) of the connector (3) and being in contact with a contact part (312a) of the inspecting member (312) and the short-circuiting member (41) being in contact with the electrically conductive member (311) when in a normal fitting state.