Connector Locking Portion Displacement Control via Coupling Bridge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors face issues with excessive displacement of the unlocking operation portion and increased size due to the need for additional components like excessive displacement prevention portions and coupling portions, which compromise the rigidity of the fitting assurance member and stability of the connection.
Innovation Solution
A connector design that incorporates a coupling portion between the unlocking operation portion and the housing, positioned to prevent excessive displacement and secure rigidity, while allowing the coupling portion to contact the unlocking operation portion during the unlocking process, and includes a CPA bridge to restrict tilt and stabilize the connection state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an excessive displacement prevention portion is provided in the female housing to prevent excessive displacement of the unlocking operation portion, then the stability of the connection is improved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the excessive displacement prevention function with the existing housing structure by integrating a prevention portion into the female housing. This merging approach allows the housing to simultaneously provide structural support and prevent excessive displacement of the unlocking operation portion, thereby improving stability without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary coupling portion that connects the unlocking operation portion to the housing. This coupling portion acts as a mediator that transmits forces and constraints movement, allowing the unlocking operation portion to be controlled without requiring direct integration into the housing structure, thus maintaining reliability while managing complexity
2Strength
If a coupling portion is provided in the fitting assurance member to secure rigidity, then the rigidity of the fitting assurance member is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fitting assurance member into distinct functional portions, including a coupling portion with specific structural features. By dividing the member into segments with specialized functions, the coupling portion can be optimized for rigidity while other portions handle different tasks, improving overall strength without requiring the entire structure to be overly complex
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the coupling portion with the fitting assurance member structure, creating an integrated component that provides both coupling functionality and structural rigidity. This combination eliminates the need for separate reinforcing elements, thereby improving rigidity while minimizing the increase in device complexity
3Reliability
If the coupling portion is positioned to prevent excessive displacement and secure rigidity, then the reliability is improved, but the connector size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the coupling portion and its associated features in three-dimensional space to optimize functionality within a compact volume. By utilizing spatial arrangement and dimensional optimization, the coupling portion can provide displacement prevention and rigidity support without requiring excessive linear dimensions, thereby maintaining reliability while controlling connector size
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 effectively prevents excessive displacement of the unlocking operation portion, secures the rigidity of the fitting assurance member, and suppresses the increase in connector size, thereby stabilizing the connection between terminals and ensuring reliable fitting and unlocking operations.
Implementation Method 1
a locking portion (55) being elastically deformed in an opposite direction to a locking direction to climb over a locked portion (33) of a counterpart housing (15) and elastically restored in the locking direction to be locked to the locked portion (33)
Implementation Method 2
a fitting assurance member (21) slidably attached to an outer side of the housing (13) to enable a sliding movement
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a housing; and a fitting assurance member slidably attached to an outer side of the housing. The housing has a locking portion to be locked to the locked portion during a movement of the housing in a fitting direction to the counterpart housing. The fitting assurance member slides and moves relatively to the housing in the fitting direction from a temporary locking position to a formal locking position. The housing has an unlocking operation portion to apply unlocking force to the locking portion. The fitting assurance member has a pair of side walls on the outer side of the housing and a coupling portion connecting end portions of the pair of side walls. The coupling portion is located between the unlocking operation portion and the housing and separated from the unlocking operation portion.