Connector Projection Reinforcement via Partition Wall Nesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The miniaturization of connectors is hindered by the need to thin projections, which reduces their strength, and forming reinforcing portions to maintain strength increases the volume of the accommodating recess, preventing sufficient miniaturization.
Innovation Solution
The connector design includes a reinforcing portion on the projection that is accommodated into a cut portion of the partition wall when connected, allowing the volume of the reinforcing portion to be omitted from the accommodating recess, thereby enabling miniaturization without compromising strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the projection is thinned to enable miniaturization, then the volume of the connector is reduced, but the strength of the projection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing portion is nested within the accommodating recess of the partition wall. When the housings are connected, the reinforcing portion fits into the accommodating recess, allowing the projection to be thin while still providing strength through the nested reinforcing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing portion extends in the connecting direction of the two housings, adding strength in a different dimensional orientation than the thin projection itself. This allows the projection to remain thin in its primary dimension while gaining strength through the reinforcing portion in the connecting direction.
2Strength
If a reinforcing portion is formed on the projection to maintain strength, then the strength of the projection is improved, but the volume of the accommodating recess must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The accommodating recess serves dual functions: it accommodates the projection to prevent oblique connection and simultaneously accommodates the reinforcing portion to provide strength. This multi-functionality allows the reinforcing portion to be integrated without increasing the overall volume of the accommodating recess.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing portion is merged with the existing accommodating recess structure rather than being added as a separate external feature. The reinforcing portion fits into the accommodating recess, combining the strength-providing function with the existing volume-constrained structure.
3Volume of moving object
If the connector is miniaturized, then the volume of the connector is reduced, but the strength of the projection and partition wall is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing portion is strategically placed at the base end of the projection where it connects to the partition wall, providing localized strength enhancement exactly where needed. This local reinforcement allows the overall connector to remain miniaturized while maintaining critical strength at the connection point.
Data Source
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AI summary
A first housing 10 includes a first frame 11 composed of a frame main body 12 and a receptacle 13, a plurality of first sub-housings 17 individually accommodated in first accommodation spaces 14 of the first frame 11, a projection 21 projecting forward from the frame main body 12 and reinforcing portions 22 projecting from outer surfaces of the projection 21. A second housing 30 includes a second frame 31 formed with a plurality of second accommodation spaces 32, a plurality of second sub-housings 35 individually accommodated in a plurality of second accommodation spaces 32, a second partition wall 33 (partition wall) configured to partition between adjacent second accommodation spaces 32, an accommodating recess 38 formed in the second partition wall 33 and configured to accommodate the projection 21, and a cut portion 39 formed in the second partition wall 33 and configured to accommodate the reinforcing portions 22.