Connector Housing With Gap For Flexible Bottom Wall
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors require a strong force for connection due to the inability of their bottom walls to bend, leading to reduced operability and potential damage to terminal fittings when mating with inclined male terminals.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a gap between the outer wall of the housing main body and the inner wall of the front holder allows the outer wall to bend, reducing the resistance force when mating terminals are inserted, thereby improving operability and preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the bottom wall is closely attached to the lower wall of the front holder, then the terminal receiving chamber is securely fixed, but the bottom wall cannot bend and requires strong insertion force
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom wall is segmented from the front holder by introducing a gap, allowing the bottom wall to move independently. This segmentation enables the bottom wall to bend during insertion while the front holder remains stable, resolving the contradiction between secure fixation and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the bottom wall changes from rigid (when closely attached) to flexible (when separated by a gap). This parameter change allows the bottom wall to bend during insertion, reducing the required insertion force while maintaining secure fixation through the front holder.
2Strength
If the bottom wall is rigid and cannot bend, then structural strength is maintained, but terminal fittings may be damaged during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the bottom wall from the front holder through gap formation, the bottom wall can deform independently to absorb insertion shocks, preventing damage to terminal fittings while the front holder maintains overall structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The gap between the bottom wall and front holder acts as a cushioning mechanism that absorbs insertion forces before they reach the terminal fittings. This beforehand cushioning prevents damage to terminal fittings during the insertion process.
3Reliability
If a projection is formed on the contact part, then locking reliability is improved, but stronger insertion force is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom wall performs preliminary bending action within the gap before the terminal fittings engage with the projection. This preliminary action reduces the impact force when the projection engages, maintaining locking reliability while reducing the required insertion force.
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 connector achieves enhanced operability by reducing the resistance force required for connection, minimizing the risk of terminal damage, and allowing smooth insertion of mating terminals even when inclined.
Implementation Method 1
the outer wall of the housing main body is bent toward the gap, namely, toward the inner wall of the front holder
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes: a connector housing; a housing main body receiving terminal fittings; and a front holder to be attached to the housing main body. When the front holder is attached to the housing main body, and the housing main body receives the terminal fittings, a gap is formed between an outer wall of the housing main body and an inner wall of the front holder.