Metal Shell Connector Locator for Visible IDC Wire Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors face challenges in ensuring the reliable connection of electric wires to IDC terminals, as it is difficult to verify the position of the electric wire holding block, leading to potential disconnection issues.
Innovation Solution
The connector design incorporates a locator with protruding portions that move through first and second apertures in a metal shell, allowing for visual confirmation of the locator's position and ensuring the electric wires are properly connected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electric wire holding block is used to hold electric wires and IDC terminals, then the connection between wires and terminals is achieved, but the position of the holding block cannot be verified, leading to potential disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies visual indication through color-coded positioning pins and corresponding holes. The positioning pin has different colors at different positions, and the shell has color-coded holes that match the pin colors. This allows operators to visually verify the position of the electric wire holding block by matching the colors, ensuring proper connection without complex measurement tools.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If apertures are provided in the shell to make the protruding portions visible, then the position of the locator can be grasped, but the strength of the shell may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a metal shell that maintains sufficient structural strength while incorporating apertures for visual detection. The metal material provides the necessary strength-to-area ratio, allowing apertures to be provided without significantly compromising overall shell strength. The shell design balances transparency requirements for position verification with structural integrity requirements.
3Ease of operation
If the locator is made movable from first position to second position, then the connection process can be monitored, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning pin is designed to automatically move between positions based on the insertion process of the electric wire holding block. The pin slides through predetermined paths in the shell, transitioning from the first position (initial state) to the second position (connected state) without requiring external actuation. This self-moving mechanism provides position monitoring capability while maintaining simple device structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
A locator of a connector is attached to a shell so that it is moveable from a first position to a second position. The shell is made of metal, and each of side wall portions thereof is provided with a first aperture and a second aperture. The locator is provided with protruding portions. When the locator is positioned at the first position, each of the protruding portions is in the first aperture. When the locator is positioned at the second position, the protruding portion is in the second aperture. The shell is made of metal, so that it has predetermined strength even if the first aperture and the second aperture are provided therein. Since the first aperture and the second aperture pierce the side wall portion in a width direction, the protruding portions of the locator are visible. Thus, a position of the locator can be grasped.