Connector With Interfering Shield Cap Prevents Accidental Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
In connectors, sudden decoupling of the object-side connector from an electric circuit can cause sparks or shorting, leading to damage to the electric circuit.
Innovation Solution
A connector design where the object-side securing portion is secured to the connecting object with a detachable fastening member, and the cable-side connector includes an opposing portion that interferes with the tool for removing the fastening member, preventing the object-side connector from being removed when coupled.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the object-side connector is made detachable for easy installation and maintenance, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of accidental removal causing sparks or shorting increases, worsening reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by providing the opposing portion on the cable-side connector that proactively prevents the removal tool from accessing the fastening member when the connectors are coupled. This preventive measure is built into the structure itself, creating a mechanical interference that stops accidental removal before it can occur, while still allowing intentional removal when needed for maintenance.
2Reliability
If the object-side connector is secured firmly to prevent accidental removal, then reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional securing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the securing function with the existing fastening member structure. The opposing portion is integrated into the cable-side connector housing, combining the securing function with the existing connector components rather than adding separate complex securing mechanisms. This maintains reliability while minimizing additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The opposing portion acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the fastening member and the removal tool. It provides the necessary interference to prevent accidental removal without requiring direct complex interaction between the fastening member and the connector housing, simplifying the overall securing mechanism.
3Reliability
If the opposing portion is added to prevent removal of the object-side connector, then reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional structural components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing the opposing portion only at the specific location where it is needed - on the cable-side connector where it can interfere with removal tools. The rest of the connector structure remains simple and unchanged. This localized approach provides the necessary connection security without adding complexity throughout the entire device.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector that prevents damage to an electric circuit provided inside a connecting object is provided. Two shield cables constituting a wire harness, a cable-side connector accommodating a distal end of the shield cable, and a device-side connector secured to a unit case are included. The cable-side connector includes a conductive shield shell including a shell body and a shell cap member, and a female housing that is made of an insulating resin and accommodated in the shield shell to allow the shield cable to be inserted therein. The shell securing portion for securing together the shell body and the shell cap member is provided in a position to oppose in the fastening direction of the bolt the device-side securing portion that secures the device-side connector to the unit case.