Connector Lock with Tool Restraint for Connection Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connection devices may connect without confirming the connected state due to the possibility of forgetting to use the connection detection tool, leading to incomplete connections.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connection device with a first connector and a second connector, where a lock undergoes insertion allowing displacement to ensure proper connection detection, and a displacement restricting portion is used to block the lock's displacement unless the connection detecting tool is mounted, preventing incomplete connections by requiring tool usage for connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a connection detecting tool is used to detect the connected state, then the reliability of connection detection is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components like displacement restricting portion and tool restraining portion
Solution Approach 1:
The connection detection function is merged with the existing lock mechanism and housing structure. The displacement restricting portion and tool restraining portion are integrated into the housing body, combining multiple functions (connection detection, lock operation, and tool restraint) into a unified structure rather than adding separate independent components.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides the insertion allowing displacement for connection, gets operated by the connection detecting tool, and includes the tool restraining portion to prevent tool removal during insertion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
2Ease of operation
If the lock is made resiliently deformable to allow insertion allowing displacement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability of the object's composition deteriorates due to potential incomplete connections
Solution Approach 1:
The connection detecting tool provides feedback on the connection state through its ability to be removed or retained. When the lock is in the inserted state (allowing displacement), the tool restraining portion prevents tool removal, providing feedback that the connection is incomplete. When the lock returns to the initial state (locked), the tool can be removed, providing feedback that connection is complete.
Solution Approach 2:
The displacement restricting portion blocks the lock's insertion allowing displacement unless the connection detecting tool is properly positioned. This preliminary restriction prevents incomplete connections by ensuring the tool is used during the connection process, counteracting the potential instability from resilient deformation.
3Measurement precision
If the tool restraining portion is added to block tool departure during insertion, then the measurement precision of connected state is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tool restraining portion is merged with the lock and housing structure rather than being a separate independent component. It utilizes the existing resilient deformation capability of the lock to provide the restraining function, combining tool restraint with the lock's insertion allowing displacement mechanism.
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
Ensures reliable detection of the connected state by preventing connection without the tool and allowing separation only when the connection is complete, thus preventing incomplete connections.
Implementation Method 1
a lock connected to the housing body and capable of undergoing an insertion allowing displacement to resiliently displace toward the housing body
Implementation Method 2
A displacement restricting portion connected to the housing body or the lock and configured to block the insertion allowing displacement of the lock from the insertion blocking position by being interposed between the housing body and the lock
Implementation Method 3
The tool restraining portion restrains the connection detecting tool to block the departure of the connection detecting tool at the operating position from the operating position in a state where the lock is undergoing the insertion allowing displacement
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connection device includes a first connector (C1) having a first housing (10), a second connector (C2) having a second housing (20) for receiving the insertion of the first housing (10), and a connection detecting tool (30). The first housing (10) includes a housing body (12), a lock (14) having a tool restraining portion (14d) and a displacement restricting portion (16) for blocking an insertion allowing displacement of the lock (14). The connection detecting tool (30) is held at an operating position to resiliently deform the displacement restricting portion (16) to allow the insertion allowing displacement. The tool restraining portion (14d) restrains the connection detecting tool (30) at the operating position so as not to be separable while allowing the separation of the connection detecting tool (30) from the operating position as the lock (14) resiliently returns to a lock position.