Automotive Connector Retainer Access via Frame Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for automotive vehicles require multiple operation steps to withdraw terminal fittings for maintenance, as the sub-housing must be detached from the frame to expose and release the retainer, complicating the process.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a frame with a holding portion that locks the sub-housing and exposes a retainer on its outer surface, allowing the retainer to be displaced between locking and separated states without detaching the sub-housing, enabling terminal fitting withdrawal while mounted, and utilizing a hinge for the retainer and guide grooves for precise operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sub-housing is detached from the frame to withdraw the terminal fitting, then the terminal fitting can be accessed for maintenance, but the number of operation steps increases and assembly time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into functionally independent segments: the frame, the sub-housing, and the retainer. This allows the retainer to be operated independently to withdraw terminal fittings without requiring detachment of the sub-housing from the frame, thus reducing operation steps while maintaining accessibility for maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer acts as an intermediary component between the terminal fitting and the sub-housing. By operating the retainer through the opening in the frame, the terminal fitting can be released without detaching the sub-housing, thereby eliminating the time-consuming disassembly and reassembly steps
2Ease of operation
If the retainer is exposed through an opening in the frame, then terminal fitting withdrawal is simplified, but the risk of inadvertent retainer displacement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure incorporates localized features: an opening for retainer access and a step that protrudes beyond the retainer's outer surface. These localized structural qualities enable easy retainer operation while the step acts as a physical barrier to prevent inadvertent displacement, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability
3Ease of manufacture
If the holding portion is cantilevered to hold the sub-housing, then assembly is simplified, but the holding portion may deform improperly under load
Solution Approach 1:
A reinforcing rib is pre-formed extending along the holding portion in the projecting direction. This preliminary structural reinforcement is built into the cantilevered holding portion during manufacturing, preventing improper deformation under load while maintaining the simplified cantilevered assembly structure
Data Source
AI summary
Retainers (37) are exposed on an outer surface of the sub-housing (30) and are displaceable between a locking state for retaining terminal fittings (34) inserted into a sub-housing (30) and a separated state for allowing the terminal fittings (34) to be withdrawn from the sub-housing (30). A frame (10) is formed with a holding portion (20) configured to hold the sub-housing (30) by being locked to the outer surface of the sub-housing (30) and openings (24) expose the retainers (37) with the sub-housing (30) held in the holding portion (20).