Connector Interlock Slider Positioning for Visual Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In lever fitting type connectors, the integration of an interlock terminal with a slider for a connector fitting assurance mechanism reduces component count but limits visual confirmation of the slider's locked position, making it difficult for inspectors to verify the normal locked state, especially in varying vehicle mounting configurations, thus decreasing workability.
Innovation Solution
The connector device integrates the interlock terminal with the slider of the connector fitting assurance mechanism and positions the slider to allow visual confirmation from multiple angles, including the coupling lever side and opposite side, facilitating inspection by projecting the rear end of the slider backward from the first connector when locked.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the interlock terminal is integrated with the slider of the connector fitting assurance mechanism, then the connector can be shortened and the number of components can be reduced, but the direction of visual confirmation for the slider's locked position is limited only to the coupling lever side
Solution Approach 1:
The slider is repositioned from being confined within the rotation track to a location that extends beyond the rear end of the connector housing. This spatial relocation enables inspectors to view the slider's locked position from multiple directions (front, rear, and sides), transforming the single-direction visibility into multi-directional visibility and resolving the visual confirmation limitation.
2Device complexity
If the slider is disposed inside the rotation track of the coupling lever, then the connector structure is compact, but the inspector cannot easily visually confirm whether the slider is in a normal locked position
Solution Approach 1:
The slider is extracted from its traditional position within the rotation track and relocated to a position that protrudes from the rear end of the connector housing. This extraction makes the slider externally accessible and visible, allowing inspectors to directly observe the locked position without disassembly or complex inspection procedures, thereby resolving the detection difficulty.
3Quantity of substance
If the interlock terminal is integrated with the slider, then the number of components is reduced, but depending on the vehicle mounting state, it is difficult for the inspector to visually confirm the slider's locked position
Solution Approach 1:
The slider's new position, extending from the rear end of the housing, provides universal visibility that adapts to various vehicle mounting configurations. Whether the connector is mounted horizontally, vertically, or at angles, the slider remains accessible for visual inspection from multiple directions, making the inspection process adaptable to different mounting states while maintaining component integration.
Data Source
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AI summary
A connector device includes a first connector, a second connector, a movable arm provided on the first connector and holding the second connector in a fitted state with respect to the first connector, a connector fitting assurance mechanism that locks the movable arm by slidably engaging a slider with the movable arm that holds the second connector in the fitted state, a signal circuit that is possible to electrically connect electric wires to each other, and an interlock terminal provided in the slider, the slider is disposed at a position where a rear end portion of the slider projects backward from a rear end of the first connector when the movable arm is not locked, and is disposed at a position where the rear end of the first connector and the rear end portion of the slider are substantially flush with each other when the movable arm is locked.