Connector Housing Miniaturization via Continuous Hole Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional holder lock structures for connector housings face challenges in miniaturization due to the need for separate spaces to insert unlocking jigs, which complicates the design and increases size.

Innovation Solution

A holder lock structure with a front holder that integrates a rib insertion hole and a jig insertion hole continuously, eliminating the need for additional space within the connector housing for the jig, allowing for miniaturization by integrating these holes on the inner surface of the fitting hood.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a separate hole is provided for inserting the unlocking jig, then the jig can be inserted to unlock the front holder, but the connector housing size increases due to the additional space required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejig insertion capabilityVSAvoidconnector housing size

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the rib insertion hole and jig insertion hole into a single continuous hole structure. The front holder has one hole that serves dual purposes: inserting the positioning rib during assembly and inserting the unlocking jig for maintenance. This eliminates the need for a separate jig insertion hole, thereby reducing connector housing size while maintaining full unlocking functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single continuous hole in the front holder performs multiple functions: it guides the positioning rib during the assembly process and serves as the access path for the unlocking jig during maintenance. By making this hole multi-functional, the patent eliminates redundant structures and reduces overall connector housing volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If separate holes are provided for rib insertion and jig insertion, then each function can be performed independently, but the device complexity increases due to multiple openings and structural elements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent function executionVSAvoidnumber of holes and structural elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines what would traditionally be two separate holes (rib insertion hole and jig insertion hole) into a single continuous hole in the front holder. This reduces the number of structural elements and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining the ability to perform both rib insertion and jig insertion operations independently through the same opening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8926364B2Holder lock structure

Publication Date: 2015.01.06 YAZAKI CORP

AI summary

A holder locking structure includes: a connector housing and a front holder. The connector housing includes: a fitting hood to which another connector is inserted and fit; a terminal accommodation accommodating a terminal fitting; a rib which is protruded into the fitting hood and is configured to prevent terminal connection fault of the terminal fitting; and a first locking portion configured to lock the front holder. The front holder is inserted in the fitting hood of the connector housing and is locked to the connector housing to prevent removal of the terminal fitting. The front holder is provided with a rib insertion hole to which the rib is inserted and a jig insertion hole into which a jig can be inserted to unlock the front holder from the connector housing. The rib insertion hole and the jig insertion hole are continuously provided.