Connector Lock Detection Structure for Compact Protected Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors with detection members face issues of increased size due to protruding housing parts and vulnerability to external forces, which can cause flexing or detachment of the detection member.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring an elastically deformable locking arm and a detection member with a protrusion that enters an engagement groove, allowing the connector to be downsized while preventing flexing and detachment by distributing external forces effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a housing part protruding rearward is provided to protect the detection member, then the detection member is protected from external forces, but the connector size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing part for protecting the detection member is merged with the main housing body, eliminating the need for a separate protruding structure. The detection member is positioned within the existing housing cavity, and the housing itself provides protection through its structural integrity and engagement features.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection member is nested within the housing cavity, utilizing the internal space of the housing structure. This nesting arrangement allows the detection member to be protected by the housing without requiring additional external protective structures that would increase connector size.
2Volume of moving object
If the housing part does not protrude from the connector, then the connector is downsized, but the detection member becomes vulnerable to external forces causing flexing or detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed with pre-formed engagement grooves and the detection member is pre-configured with engagement protrusions that fit into these grooves. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that the detection member is securely retained within the housing without requiring protruding protective structures, preventing flexing and detachment while maintaining a compact connector size.
3Reliability
If the detection member is securely retained in the housing, then flexing and detachment are prevented, but the housing structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the entire housing structure complex, the engagement grooves are localized to specific positions where the detection member requires retention. The grooves are provided only in the regions where engagement is needed, while the rest of the housing maintains a simple, streamlined structure. This localized approach provides secure retention without unnecessarily increasing overall structural complexity.
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 connector is downsized and protected from external forces, preventing flexing and detachment of the detection member, ensuring reliable operation and reduced risk of damage.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically deformable locking arm having a locking part configured to fasten onto a lock receiving part
Data Source
AI summary
According to the present invention, a connector comprises: a housing that engages a counterpart housing along an engagement direction; and a detection member 13 that is attached to the housing and, when the housing has engaged the counterpart housing, moves between a temporary locking position and a locking position. The housing has an elastically deformable lock arm 21 that has a lock part 17 that engages a lock receiving part 16 that is provided to the counterpart housing. The detection member 13 has a position securing engagement part 25 that, when the lock part 17 has engaged the lock receiving part 16, enters a flexure space of the lock arm 21 and restricts the flexure of the lock arm 21. The detection member 13 overlaps the housing in a layering direction that intersects the engagement direction and, in the temporary locking position, protrudes from the housing toward the rear in the engagement direction. The housing has a cavity 18 that accommodates a terminal. An engagement groove that extends in the engagement direction is provided to the side of the cavity 18 with respect to the engagement direction in a surface of the housing that is opposite the detection member 13. The detection member 13 has a ridge that protrudes toward the housing and extends in the engagement direction, and the ridge goes into the engagement groove.