Connector Linking via Foolproof Key and Stop Portion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing RAST connector systems require an additional chain structure for linking connectors, which is temporary and unnecessary, leading to increased costs and manufacturing complexity, as well as the need for cutting this structure post-crimping, complicating the process.
Innovation Solution
The use of foolproof installation keys and stop portions on the connector housing to link connectors, eliminating the need for an additional chain structure by utilizing these features as a permanent chain mechanism, ensuring correct alignment and preventing excessive insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an additional chain structure is formed on the housing of the RAST connector to link connectors together, then connectors can be continuously transferred through automation production, but the manufacturing cost increases and the manufacturing process becomes complex due to the need to add and later cut off the temporary chain structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the chain structure with the necessary installation key structure of the RAST connector. The installation key, which is required for proper connector installation, is integrated with chain-linking features (protrusions and recesses) that enable connectors to be linked together for automated production. This merging eliminates the need for separate temporary chain structures that would need to be added and removed, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining automation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The installation key structure serves multiple functions: it ensures correct installation orientation of the connector and simultaneously provides the chain-linking mechanism for connecting multiple connectors during automated production. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated temporary chain structures, reducing both manufacturing steps and costs while enabling continuous automated production
2Productivity
If an additional chain structure is added to link connectors, then connectors can be linked together for production, but the cost rises due to additional materials and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The chain-linking functionality is merged into the necessary installation key structure of the RAST connector. The same protrusions and recesses that ensure proper installation orientation also serve as the chain-linking mechanism. This eliminates the need for separate chain materials and the additional processing steps required to add and remove temporary chain structures, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The installation key structure performs dual functions: ensuring correct connector installation orientation and providing chain-linking capability for production. This multi-functionality eliminates redundant materials and processing steps associated with temporary chain structures, reducing manufacturing cost while preserving the ability to link connectors for continuous production
Data Source
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AI summary
A connector, including: a housing having a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other in a thickness direction of the housing; a first foolproof installation key formed on the first surface of the housing and adapted to mate with a first foolproof installation slot formed in a mating connector; and a stop portion formed on the second surface of the housing and adapted to mate with a stop portion formed on the mating connector, wherein a hook is formed on the first foolproof installation key, and a recess, configured to mate with the hook, is formed in the stop portion of the connector, wherein the hook is adapted to be engaged into the recess, so that connectors are capable of being linked in a manner of one after another by engaging the hook of one connector to the recess of the another connector. In the present invention, the existing and necessary foolproof installation key on the connector is used as the chain structure to link connectors, the foolproof installation key is the necessary feature of the final product. Thereby, it does not need to cut off the existing and necessary foolproof installation key in the following process, simplifying the manufacturing process of the connector.