Connector Housing Inseparable Assembly via Third Component
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors formed by multiple members face challenges in achieving both miniaturization and ease of manufacturing while ensuring firm assembly, as increasing the engaging margin or rigidity of lock components either enlarges the connector or complicates the assembly process.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a first housing, a second housing, and a third housing where the third housing acts as a connection tool to inseparably connect the first and second housings, preventing relative movement and allowing for firm assembly without increasing size or assembly force, while also ensuring proper alignment and terminal insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the engaging margin of the lock arm and lock receiving portion is expanded to assemble members firmly, then the connection strength is improved, but the size of the connector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple independent members (housing, front retainer, lock arm) that are assembled together. The lock arm is segmented with a convex portion that engages with a concave portion in the lock receiving portion, allowing firm connection without increasing overall connector size.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock arm is positioned within the housing structure, with the convex portion of the lock arm fitting into the concave portion of the lock receiving portion. This nested arrangement allows the lock mechanism to be compact while maintaining strong engagement between members.
2Strength
If the rigidity of the lock arm is improved to assemble members firmly, then the connection strength is improved, but the difficulty of assembling work increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock arm is designed with flexible properties that allow it to be easily inserted and engaged during assembly, then maintains rigid connection when assembled. The lock arm can flex during the assembly process to accommodate positioning, then locks firmly in the final position through engagement of the convex and concave portions.
3Volume of moving object
If the connector is miniaturized to reduce size, then the volume is reduced, but the firmness of member assembly decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector members are designed with non-uniform cross-sectional areas, with thicker sections at critical engagement points (lock arm convex portion, lock receiving portion concave portion) to maintain strong connections, while other sections are minimized to reduce overall connector size. This local reinforcement allows firm assembly without increasing overall volume.
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal reception chamber (201) of a connector (1) includes a first chamber (201A), a second chamber (201B) and a third chamber (201C). The connector includes a first housing (100) defining a mating terminal insertion hole (102), a second housing (200) defining the first chamber and the second chambers and attached to the first housing, and a third housing (300) defining the third chambers and attached to the first housing and the second housing to contact with the first housing and the second housing and to inseparably connect the first housing and the second housing.