Connector With Peripheral Protrusions For Flexible Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional connectors have limited freedom in connecting members to housings, restricting the shape and positional flexibility of the connection portion within the housing.

Innovation Solution

A connector design featuring a housing with a recess part and protrusions only at the peripheral edge, allowing for increased flexibility in the connection of the connecting member, including a slide member for secure fitting and locking mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If protrusions are formed by parts on one side of the housing to define the recess part, then the for-connection portion of the connecting member can be housed and held, but the freedom in the connection of the connecting member to the housing is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefreedom in connectionVSAvoidstructure of protrusions

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protrusions are segmented into individual protrusion parts that can be independently positioned and configured. This segmentation allows the for-connection portion to be held securely while providing freedom in connection by enabling flexible arrangement of multiple discrete protrusion elements rather than a monolithic structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the housing are given different properties through the strategic placement of protrusions only where needed to define the recess part. This local quality approach allows the for-connection portion to be constrained in specific locations while maintaining freedom in other areas, optimizing both holding security and connection flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the thickness of protrusions is larger than that of the for-connection portion, then the for-connection portion can be securely held, but the flexibility in shape and positional arrangement is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveholding securityVSAvoidshape and position freedom

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The protrusion parts are designed with dynamic characteristics that allow them to adapt to different for-connection portion configurations. By making the protrusions dynamically adjustable or flexible in their arrangement rather than fixed and rigid, the system maintains holding security while enabling freedom in the shape and position of the for-connection portion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The parameters of the protrusions (such as their position, shape, and dimensional characteristics) are made variable rather than fixed. By allowing changes in these parameters, the protrusions can maintain adequate thickness for secure holding while adapting to different for-connection portion designs, thus providing both reliability and design flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11018449B2Connector

Publication Date: 2021.05.25 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

A connector includes a housing and a terminal held by the housing and having a mounting part adapted to be mounted on a connecting member. The housing has a recess part in which a for-connection portion of the connecting member is housed and held and a protrusion protruding higher than the thickness of the for-connection portion and defining the recess part. The protrusion is located only at a peripheral edge portion of the housing.