Connector Identifier Layout for Mating Status Confirmation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In conventional connectors, the position assurance lock covers the entire identifier when in the released position, causing confusion for workers and decreasing work efficiency during fitting tasks.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a housing with a visible first identifier and a visible second identifier on an attachment member, which combine to form a composite identifier when the attachment member is in one position and separate when in another, allowing for reliable detection of fitting completion and improved efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the position assurance lock covers the entire identifier when in the released position, then the identifier is protected and hidden, but the worker cannot see where the identifier is located, causing confusion and decreased work efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The identifier is divided into two separate parts: a first identifier on the housing and a second identifier on the attachment member. This segmentation allows each part to be visible independently, enabling workers to locate the identifier components even when the attachment member is in the released position, thus improving work efficiency while maintaining the covering mechanism for reliable fitting detection
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the identifier system have different visibility characteristics. The first identifier is always visible on the housing outer surface, while the second identifier's visibility depends on the attachment member position. This local quality differentiation allows workers to always know where to look for identifier information without compromising the overall covering function
2Reliability
If the position assurance lock covers the entire identifier, then the identifier is hidden for secure detection, but the worker becomes confused about identifier location, resulting in decreased work efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the identifier into two visible parts located on different components (housing and attachment member), the system eliminates the time workers would otherwise spend searching for a completely hidden identifier, while still maintaining the covering mechanism for reliable fitting detection
Solution Approach 2:
The first identifier is pre-positioned and always visible on the housing, providing immediate location information to workers before they attempt to read the complete identifier. This preliminary visibility action reduces the time needed to locate and read the full identifier information
Data Source
AI summary
A connector 1 comprises: a housing 10 that can be fitted to a mating connector 70; a CPA member 50 that is assembled to the housing 10 and is displaceable between a standby position and a mating assurance position; a first two-dimensional code 60A that is visibly disposed on the outer surface of the housing 10; and a second two-dimensional code 60B that is visibly disposed on the outer surface of the CPA member 50. When the CPA member 50 is at the mating assurance position, the first two-dimensional code 60A and the second two-dimensional code 60B are separated from each other, and when the CPA member 50 is at the standby position, the first two-dimensional code 60A and the second two-dimensional code 60B are combined to constitute a composite two-dimensional code 60C.