Connector Resilient Contact Locking Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors face issues with separation due to dimensional errors and connecting forces, leading to potential detachment during assembly and operation, which affects operational stability and noise levels.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a holder with a peripheral wall, a first housing assembled from one end, and a second housing connected from the other end, utilizing a resilient contact piece and stopper mechanism to regulate detachment and prevent separation, along with a guide groove to manage relative movements and reduce noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the inner housing is mounted into the accommodating portion from the back of the outer housing to improve operability, then the ease of operation is improved, but the connecting force may detach the inner housing toward the back
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient contact piece is positioned to preemptively counteract the detaching force before it can cause separation. When the first housing is assembled into the holder, the resilient contact piece engages with the stopper to create a preliminary locking action that prevents the connecting force from detaching the housing during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient contact piece is designed to be deflectable, allowing it to dynamically respond to assembly and operational forces. The resilient nature enables the contact piece to compress under the connecting force and maintain continuous contact with the stopper, ensuring reliable prevention of detachment while allowing for dimensional errors and movement.
2Manufacturing precision
If the inner housing is mounted from the front of the outer housing when no wire is connected, then the manufacturing precision is easier to maintain, but the operability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient contact piece with stopper mechanism serves multiple functions: it prevents detachment during operation (improving reliability), guides the first housing during assembly (improving manufacturing precision), and reduces noise (improving operational quality). This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by making the same structural feature beneficial for both assembly and operation regardless of mounting direction.
3Reliability
If the resilient contact piece is made resilient to allow movement, then the reliability is improved by absorbing dimensional errors, but abnormal noise may be generated by contact and separation
Solution Approach 1:
The guide groove acts as an intermediary element between the resilient contact piece and the holder. It provides a controlled path for the contact piece to move and engage with the stopper, ensuring smooth contact without impact or separation that would generate noise, while still allowing the resilient action needed to absorb dimensional errors.
4Ease of operation
If a large opening is provided on the back surface for accommodating the inner housing, then the ease of operation is improved, but the connecting force may detach the housing
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is segmented into functional zones: the peripheral wall provides structural support and defines the large opening for ease of operation, while the resilient contact piece and stopper create a localized locking zone that resists the connecting force. This segmentation allows the holder to simultaneously provide easy access and strong retention.
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
The solution effectively prevents separation of the connector components during assembly and operation, ensuring stable connections and minimizing abnormal noise through the use of resilient contact pieces and guide grooves, thereby enhancing the operational reliability and quietness of the connector.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient contact piece is formed on the other of an inner surface of the peripheral wall and an outer surface of the first housing. The resilient contact piece is deflected by interference with the stopper when assembling the first housing into the peripheral wall
Implementation Method 2
The resilient contact piece may slide in contact with the guide groove while being resiliently deflected. Accordingly, abnormal noise will not be generated by the contact and separation of the resilient contact piece and the guide groove
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a holder (10) having a peripheral wall (11) open on opposite first and second ends. A first housing (21) is assembled in the peripheral wall (11) from the first end of the holder (10), a second housing (40) is connected to the first housing (21) from the second end of the holder (10). Stoppers (20) are formed on the peripheral wall (11) and resilient contact pieces (28) are formed on the first housing (21). The resilient contact pieces (28) are deflected by interference with the stoppers (20) in the process of assembling the first housing (21) into the peripheral wall (11). The resilient contact pieces (28) are locked to the stoppers (20) to regulate detachment of the first housing (21) from the peripheral wall (11) toward the first end in the process of assembling the first and second housings (21, 40).