Connector Visual Retainer Confirmation via Escaping Portion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors lack a straightforward method to visually confirm the proper insertion of a retainer without complicating the configuration, as the retainer is hidden behind the outer peripheral wall, making it difficult to verify the inserted state.
Innovation Solution
A connector design that includes a mounting portion on the outer surface of the fitting recess, allowing the outer peripheral wall to form an escaping portion for the mounting portion, and a retainer with a confirmation surface exposed externally through this portion, enabling visual confirmation of the retainer's insertion state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the retainer is hidden behind the outer peripheral wall, then the configuration is compact, but it becomes difficult to visually confirm the inserted state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the confirmation function from the hidden retainer by providing a confirmation portion on the retainer that extends through the outer peripheral wall. This allows the insertion state to be visually confirmed without exposing the entire retainer, thus maintaining configuration simplicity while enabling detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The confirmation portion acts as an intermediary element that transmits information about the retainer's insertion state from the hidden interior to the visible exterior. This mediator allows visual confirmation without requiring the retainer itself to be fully exposed or the configuration to be complicated.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a dedicated confirmation window is provided in the outer peripheral wall, then visual confirmation of the retainer is enabled, but the configuration becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the confirmation function with the existing outer peripheral wall structure by having the confirmation portion extend through the wall itself. This integration eliminates the need for a separate dedicated confirmation window, thus enabling visual confirmation while avoiding increased configuration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer peripheral wall serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, defines the connector housing, and simultaneously acts as a transmission medium for the confirmation portion to enable visual detection. This multi-functionality avoids adding separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
An intermediate housing (10) has a fitting recess (12) in which ends (91) of intermediate terminals (90) are located. An inner housing (30A) is fit into the fitting recess (12) and has first terminal fittings (110A) connectable to the intermediate terminals (90). A retainer (130) is inserted into the inner housing (30A) to retain the terminal fittings (110A). An outer housing (50) is fit externally onto the fitting recess (12) and includes an outer peripheral wall (53) surrounding the inner housing (30A). A mounting portion (21) projects on the outer surface of the fitting recess (12). The outer peripheral wall (53) is recessed to form an escaping portion (61) into which the mounting portion (21). The retainer (130) includes a confirmation surface (133) exposed to the outside of the inner housing (30A) when being inserted into the inner housing (30A) and visually confirmed from outside through the escaping portion (61).