Electrical Connector Orthogonal Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors face issues with incomplete mating detection, operational errors, and potential damage due to protruding detection or retaining elements, particularly in designs where the mating operation is not clearly segmented into distinct steps.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector with a moving member that includes a detection portion and step portions, allowing the connector to move at an angle to the mating direction, ensuring complete mating by preventing forward movement until the mating portion is fully engaged, thus preventing operational errors and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the detection member or retaining element protrudes toward the counter mating side more than the connector, then incomplete mating can be detected, but there is a risk of damage to the detection member or retaining element due to interference with the harness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the movement direction of the lock member from the mating direction to a direction substantially orthogonal to the mating direction. This dimensional change allows the lock member to detect incomplete mating without protruding toward the counter mating side, thereby avoiding interference with the harness and reducing the risk of damage.
2Reliability
If the lock member moves forward to a position inward of the lock arm, then the electrical connector cannot be mated to the partner connection device, but it requires moving the lock member rearward and performing the mating operation again, which reduces operability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mating operation into two distinct steps: first pushing the connector in the mating direction to connect it to the partner member, and then pushing the lock member in a direction substantially orthogonal to the mating direction to engage the lock arm. This segmentation makes the operation sequence clear and prevents the lock member from moving forward to a position inward of the lock arm, thereby maintaining high operability.
3Ease of operation
If the detection member is pushed inward in the same direction as the mating direction, then the connector can be mated and the detection member can function, but there is a risk of operational error such as forgetting to push the detection member
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the operation into two distinct actions: pushing the connector in the mating direction and then pushing the lock member in a substantially orthogonal direction. This clear segmentation eliminates the risk of forgetting to push the detection member, as the lock member's orthogonal movement is a distinct, unmistakable action that cannot be overlooked.
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 incomplete mating and reduces the risk of damage by ensuring the mating operation is performed in two distinct steps, enhancing the reliability of the connection process.
Implementation Method 1
a detection portion (132) provided on the moving member body (131) via an elastic portion (133) and capable of being displaced along the mating direction
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector of the present invention includes a housing, an electrical terminal, and a moving member that has a moving member body and a detection portion. The housing is provided with a first step portion, and the detection portion is provided with a second step portion. When the moving member is at a first position, the second step portion comes into contact with the first step portion so as to prevent the moving member from moving forward. When the mating portion is completely fitted into a retainer, the detection portion becomes displaced toward the counter mating side due to being pressed by the retainer or the inflator housing, and the second step portion becomes separated from the first step portion so as to permit the moving member to move forward. Also, a squib connection device of the present invention includes this electrical connector.