Connector Mounting Bracket With Locking Projections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connector mounting structures face challenges in allowing fine adjustment of the mount position while preventing detachment and inclination of the connector with respect to the proper mounting direction.

Innovation Solution

A connector mounting structure that includes a support with a mounting piece for loose movement parallel to a plane intersecting the Z-axis, restricting pieces with projections and locks, and deflecting pieces to prevent inclination and detachment, allowing movement in directions intersecting the proper mounting direction while maintaining alignment with the Z-axis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the connector is loosely movably supported on the bracket, then the connector can move in directions intersecting the proper mounting direction for fine adjustment, but the connector easily inclines with respect to the proper mounting direction before mounting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefine adjustment capabilityVSAvoidmounting alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is segmented into a bracket and a separate support piece that can be assembled independently. The connector is mounted on the support piece which is then attached to the bracket, allowing the support piece to guide the connector into proper alignment while the bracket provides overall support. This segmentation enables fine adjustment during assembly without compromising mounting precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support piece acts as an intermediary between the connector and the bracket. It provides a stable mounting surface for the connector with precise positioning features while being loosely movable relative to the bracket. This intermediary structure transfers the connector to the bracket in a controlled manner, preventing inclination during the mounting process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the connector is loosely movably supported on the bracket, then the connector can be mounted without excessive force, but the connector can be detached from the bracket

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting easeVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure employs a dynamic locking mechanism where the support piece can move loosely during assembly to facilitate easy mounting, but automatically locks into a fixed position after mounting. The locking feature engages when the connector is properly positioned, preventing detachment while maintaining ease of installation through the initial loose movement capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support piece includes preliminary positioning features that guide the connector into the correct position before final engagement. Anti-detachment features such as locking protrusions or interference fits are pre-designed into the structure to prevent detachment once mounted, while still allowing loose movement during the assembly process for ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the support structure allows loose movement for fine adjustment, then the mount position can be adjusted, but the connector inclination cannot be restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition adjustment capabilityVSAvoidaxial center alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The support piece features asymmetric geometry with specific shaping that allows movement in desired adjustment directions while constraining movement in directions that would cause inclination. The asymmetric design includes features such as elongated slots or asymmetric locking surfaces that permit positional adjustment but prevent rotational deviation, maintaining axial center alignment during fine adjustment operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS8052443B2Connector mounting structure
Publication Date: 2011.11.08 SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS LTD
  • US8052443B2 patent drawing
  • US8052443B2 patent drawing
  • US8052443B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A bracket (30) includes a mounting piece (33) loosely movably supporting a connector (10) in a direction parallel with a plane intersecting a Z axis that is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the connector (10). The bracket (30) has restricting pieces (32) at opposite sides of the mounting piece (33). Locks (35) are formed at opposite sides of each restricting piece (32) and a projection (34) is formed on the outer surface of each restricting piece (32). The connector (10) includes a side wall (26A) at an inner side of each restricting piece (32), a deflecting piece (11B) for sandwiching the restricting piece (32) together with the side wall (26A). Auxiliary projections (20) are formed on the outer surface of each side wall (26A) and can contact the locks (35) from below. A restricting hole (11C) is formed in each deflecting piece (11B) for engaging the projection (34).