Connector Lock Band Detection Member Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors that detect a half-fitted condition often suffer from reduced durability of the detection member due to repeated use and increased size requirements to accommodate deformation, which affects the reliability and efficiency of the fitting process.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a lock band portion on one housing that bends and engages with a lock portion on the other housing, with a detection member positioned above the lock band, utilizing movement limitation and holding lock portions to prevent deformation and maintain the detection member's position, allowing for reliable detection of the fitted condition without size increase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastic arms are used in the detection member to detect fitted condition, then the detection function is achieved, but the durability is lowered due to repeated elastic deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the elastic arm mechanism with a rigid detection member that detects fitted condition through positional changes rather than elastic deformation. The detection member includes a detection portion that moves to a detection position when the lock arm is pressed, eliminating repeated elastic deformation and enhancing durability while maintaining the detection function.
2Ease of operation
If elastic arms are allowed to move backward and open in widthwise direction during lock arm bending, then the detection mechanism functions, but the connector size increases due to required clearance spaces
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of allowing the detection member to move backward and open during lock arm bending, the patent inverts the approach by using a rigid detection member that remains constrained. The detection portion moves to a detection position through a different mechanism (lock arm pressing) that does not require clearance spaces for backward movement or opening, thereby reducing connector size while maintaining detection functionality.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enhances the durability of the detection member by preventing deformation and maintaining its functionality across multiple uses, while keeping the connector size consistent, ensuring reliable detection of the fitted condition without the need for additional space for deformation.
Implementation Method 1
a lock band portion which is elastically deformable and is provided on the first housing
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a first housing, a second housing and a detection member. A lock band portion is elastically deformable and is provided on the first housing. A lock portion is provided on the second housing, and bends the lock band portion to allow the lock band portion to slide over the lock portion when the first and second housings are moved from a first condition to a second condition, the first condition where the first housing is not fitted to the second housing, and the second condition where the first housing is fitted to the second housing, and engages the lock band portion when the first and second housings has been moved to the second position. The detection member is disposed on an upper side of the lock band portion, and is displaced together with the lock band portion in accordance with a deforming movement of the lock band portion. A movement limitation portion is provided on the detection member, and abuts against an abutment limitation portion provided on the first housing while the first and second housings are moved from the first condition to the second condition, so that the detection member is prevented from movement in the attaching direction. When the lock portion engages the lock band portion in the second condition, an abutment of the movement limitation portion against the abutment limitation portion is canceled, so that the detection member is allowed to be moved in the attaching direction.