Connector Device Push-Back Mechanism Visual Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector devices for electric cars and hybrid vehicles lack clear visual recognition of operation completion, leading to potential misunderstandings and failure in establishing electric current flow.
Innovation Solution
A connector device with a push-back mechanism that changes states from initial to first and then second, ensuring visual confirmation of operation completion through distinct postures and applying a push-back force to revert to the initial state, facilitating easy recognition of operation status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a two-step operation (turning + sliding) is used to connect terminals, then connection reliability is improved, but visual recognition of operation completion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The operation member incorporates a visual indicator (such as a color-coded section or marker) that changes appearance or position between the first state and second state. This allows the operator to immediately recognize whether the sliding operation has been completed, resolving the visual recognition problem while maintaining the reliable two-step connection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector provides visual feedback through the operation member's position or appearance. When the operation member reaches the second state (fully slid), the visual indicator clearly shows completion, giving immediate feedback to the operator without requiring additional checks or interpretation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the operation member remains in the first state after turning, then operation flexibility is improved, but operation status recognition deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The visual indicator on the operation member provides distinct visual cues for the first state (turned but not fully connected) versus the second state (fully connected). This prevents information loss about the current operation status while allowing the operator to pause at either state if needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation member is designed to be dynamically positionable at either the first or second state, with the visual indicator clearly showing which state is active. This maintains operational flexibility to pause at intermediate stages while preventing confusion about the current state through clear visual differentiation.
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
Ensures clear visual indication of operation completion, preventing misunderstandings and ensuring consistent electric current flow by using a push-back mechanism to maintain the connector in the correct state.
Implementation Method 1
When the state of the operation member is changed to the first state, a push-back mechanism applies a push-back force to the operation member, wherein the push-back force pushes back the operation member to change the state of the operation member back toward the initial state.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector device (10) comprises a connector (20) and a mating connector (70) connectable with each other. The mating connector (70) comprises a mating primary terminal (780) and a mating secondary terminal (790). The connector comprises a primary terminal (390), a secondary terminal (690), an operation member (20) and a push-back mechanism (510). The operation member (20) changes its state from an initial state to a second state via a second state. When the state of the operation member (20) is changed to the first state, the primary terminal (390) is connected to the mating primary terminal (780). When the state of the operation member is changed to the second state, the secondary terminal (680) is connected to the mating secondary terminal (690). When the state of the operation member (20) is changed to the first state, the push-back mechanism (510) applies a push-back force to the operation member (20) to change the state of the operation member back toward the initial state.