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 complex and prone to damage from external forces during temporary coupling, lacking a simple configuration without separate parts to maintain alignment.

Innovation Solution

A connector assembly with a moving plate featuring hinge portions that rotate at a predetermined angle, locked by step portions, and a push plate mechanism in the second connector to securely position the moving plate without additional components, ensuring it remains in a temporary coupling position even under external forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a moving plate is added to protect terminals and maintain alignment, then terminal protection and alignment maintenance are improved, but connector assembly complexity increases due to additional interlocking structures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveterminal protectionVSAvoidconnector assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The moving plate is integrated directly into the first connector housing without requiring separate interlocking structures. The moving plate forms an integral part of the connector assembly, eliminating the need for additional fastening components while maintaining terminal protection and alignment functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The moving plate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects terminals from damage, maintains alignment between connectors, and acts as a structural component of the connector housing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

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

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment maintenanceVSAvoidresistance to external force
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The moving plate is pre-installed and fixed to the first connector housing before the coupling process. This preliminary fixation ensures the moving plate is securely positioned and protected from external forces that may occur during handling and coupling operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The moving plate is designed with sufficient structural strength and rigidity to withstand external forces that may be applied during temporary coupling. The plate's material and geometry are selected to provide adequate cushioning against undesired forces while maintaining alignment precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP4300714A1Connector assembly
Publication Date: 2024.01.03 KUM LLC
  • EP4300714A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4300714A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4300714A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a connector assembly having a movable plate for protecting terminals and maintaining alignment in a first connector, comprising 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, wherein a step portion is formed on the inner surface of the first connector, and wherein 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.