Connector Fitting Depth Management via Projection Contact
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors with synthetic resin housings face challenges in managing fitting depth due to distortion and deflection issues, especially when the housings are long and narrow, making precise alignment and electrical connection reliability difficult.
Innovation Solution
The connector design incorporates forward projections on the fitting and corresponding projections on the receptacle's back wall, defining virtual planes for precise fitting depth management, with separate projections for major and minor axes, and includes plate-like connecting portions with a slight separation to prevent premature contact and ensure reliable electrical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the front end part of the fitting and the back wall of the receptacle are used to manage fitting depth, then the fitting depth can be specified, but the shapes are difficult to manage due to distortion and deflection from injection molding
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the fitting and receptacle into distinct functional zones by adding projections. The fitting has projections extending from its front end, and the receptacle has corresponding projections on its back wall. These projections create discrete contact points that define fitting depth, separating the depth management function from the overall shape management of the long and narrow components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by creating specific projection structures at critical locations (front end of fitting, back wall of receptacle) while leaving the rest of the long and narrow bodies unchanged. This allows precise control of fitting depth through localized features without requiring the entire long components to be precisely manufactured.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the receptacle and fitting are made long and narrow in the major axis direction, then the connector can accommodate terminals, but distortion suppression becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the contact interface into discrete projections rather than relying on the entire long surface, the invention isolates the critical depth-determining features from the distortion-prone long and narrow sections. The projections act as independent reference points that are less susceptible to overall component distortion.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple projections are formed on the fitting and receptacle, then the fitting depth can be managed more accurately, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a limited number of projections (not covering the entire surface) to achieve sufficient fitting depth control. This partial action approach provides adequate precision without the excessive complexity that would result from comprehensive surface features throughout the long and narrow components.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector (10) includes a first housing (12) made of synthetic resin and including a fitting (11), and a second housing (14) made of synthetic resin and including a tubular receptacle (13) into which the fitting (11) is to be fit. At least one first projection (37) projects forward on a front end part (40) of the fitting (11) in the connecting direction and at least one second projection (43) projecting toward the first projection (37) is formed on a part of a back wall (27) of the receptacle (13) corresponding to the first projection (37). A fitting depth of the first and second housings (12, 14) is specified by the contact of a tip (38) of the first projection (37) and a tip (44) of the second projection (43) when the first and second housings (12, 14) are connected properly.