Connector Moving Plate Locking for Terminal Alignment Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies with moving plates to protect terminals are complicated by additional interlocking structures and prone to damage from undesired external forces, failing to reliably maintain the alignment of terminals.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly design featuring a moving plate with hinge portions that lock onto step portions in the connector housing, allowing it to withstand external forces without separate components, ensuring the moving plate remains in a temporary coupling position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a moving plate is added to protect terminals and maintain alignment, then terminal protection and alignment are improved, but the connector assembly configuration becomes complicated due to additional interlocking structures
Solution Approach 1:
The moving plate is integrated directly into the connector housing structure, where the housing itself forms the moving plate that protects terminals. The step portion is formed as an integral feature of the housing inner surface, eliminating the need for separate interlocking components while maintaining the protective function.
2Reliability
If a moving plate is temporarily coupled to the first connector, then terminal alignment is maintained, but the moving plate is easily damaged by undesired external force
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge portion is pre-configured with a locking mechanism that engages with the step portion before coupling occurs. This preliminary locking action secures the moving plate in position, preventing damage from undesired external forces that may occur during the coupling process or before actual connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The moving plate is divided into a fixed portion integrated with the housing and a movable portion connected via the hinge mechanism. This segmentation allows the plate to maintain structural strength through the fixed portion while providing necessary movement capability through the hinge portion, enabling it to withstand external forces while maintaining alignment.
3Stability of the object's composition
If separate interlocking structures are added to maintain the moving plate, then stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking function is merged into the housing structure itself through the step portion formed on the inner surface. The hinge portion of the moving plate directly engages with this step portion, creating a stable connection without requiring separate interlocking components. This integration maintains stability while simplifying the overall configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly has a movable plate for protecting terminals and maintaining alignment in a first connector. The connector assembly includes a first connector having a coupling space formed therein and having a plurality of first terminals disposed in the coupling space, a moving plate movably installed in the coupling space and having a terminal hole through which the first terminal passes, and a second connector coupled to one side of the first connector and moving the moving plate in the coupling space. A step portion is formed on the inner surface of the first connector. A hinge portion is formed on a side surface of the moving plate to rotate at a predetermined angle, and an end of the hinge portion can be locked or released from the step portion.