Connector Holder Lock Mechanism for Vehicle Wire Harness Protectors
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for holding and releasing connectors in vehicle protectors are cumbersome, requiring adhesive tape and excessive space, which complicates the process and reduces workability.
Innovation Solution
A protector with a connector holder that includes an insertion opening and housing space, featuring a holder-side lock that engages with a connector-side lock through elastic deformation, allowing for easy insertion and removal of connectors without the need for adhesive tape, thereby improving workability and reducing space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive tape is used to hold the female connector and protector together, then the connector is protected from vibrations, but the workability deteriorates because the adhesive tape must be removed to release the holding for connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the adhesive tape mechanical system with a lock mechanism consisting of a holder-side lock and connector-side lock. These locks engage through elastic deformation when the connector is inserted into the housing space, providing secure holding without requiring adhesive materials. The locks can be easily disengaged by applying force to the connector, allowing quick release for connection operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes elastic deformation as a key parameter change mechanism. The holder-side lock and connector-side lock are designed to elastically deform during insertion, enabling automatic engagement and locking. This elastic parameter change provides reliable holding force while maintaining ease of release when needed.
2Reliability
If adhesive tape is used to hold the connector, then the connector is secured, but the process complexity increases due to the need to wind and remove tape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex adhesive tape winding and removal process with a simple lock engagement mechanism. The holder-side lock and connector-side lock automatically engage through elastic deformation upon insertion, eliminating the need for manual tape application and removal steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism is designed to automatically engage and secure the connector through elastic deformation during the insertion process itself. The system serves itself by utilizing the insertion motion to trigger the locking action, eliminating the need for separate securing operations.
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 enhances the ease of holding and releasing connectors, reducing the need for adhesive tape and minimizing space requirements, thereby improving operational efficiency and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
the holder-side lock is formed so as to engage with the connector-side lock as a result of either one of the holder-side lock and the connector-side lock elastically deforming to be spaced away in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction
Data Source
AI summary
A protector includes a main unit having an inside in which wires W are wired and a connector holder. The connector holder removably holds a female connector that is exposed to the outside of the main unit from a wiring opening formed in the main unit. The connector holder includes an insertion opening in which the connector is inserted and a housing space that houses and holds the connector inserted from the insertion opening. The insertion opening is formed to be exposed to the outside of the main unit.