Connector Retainer Locking Structure for Higher Holding Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connector designs face challenges in maintaining a strong holding force for the retainer on the housing due to frictional resistance during mounting, which can be reduced by minimizing the projection dimension of the locking portion, but this compromises the locking force, leading to issues with retaining the retainer in a mounted state.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a housing with a displacement restricting portion and a retainer with a hooking portion that comes into contact from the front at the full locking position, allowing for improved holding force without increasing frictional resistance, and additional features like a lock arm and detector for secure engagement and position detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the projection dimension of the locking portion is reduced to decrease frictional resistance during mounting, then the ease of operation is improved, but the locking force between the detachable locking portion and the locking portion is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a displacement restricting portion that acts in a direction intersecting the inserting direction of the terminal fitting, perpendicular to the sliding direction of the detachable locking portion. This adds a new dimensional constraint that prevents rearward displacement without increasing friction during the mounting sliding process.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is segmented into two independent functions: the detachable locking portion handles the sliding engagement during mounting, while the displacement restricting portion with hooking portion handles the rearward displacement prevention. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.
2Productivity
If the projection dimension of the locking portion is reduced to decrease frictional resistance, then the productivity is improved, but the reliability of holding the retainer is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The displacement restricting portion provides a new dimensional solution by restricting displacement in a direction intersecting the inserting direction, thereby ensuring reliability through a different mechanical constraint that does not interfere with the mounting process efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
By separating the mounting function (detachable locking portion sliding over locking portion) from the holding function (hooking portion engaging displacement restricting portion), the patent achieves both high productivity during mounting and high reliability in the mounted state.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the retainer is designed to be movable between partial locking position and full locking position, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The movable retainer design is segmented into distinct functional elements: the detachable locking portion for partial locking, the hooking portion for full locking engagement, and the displacement restricting portion for position control. This modular segmentation achieves adaptability while keeping each component relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The hooking portion serves multiple functions: it engages the displacement restricting portion to prevent rearward displacement, provides the full locking position, and works in conjunction with the detachable locking portion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
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
Enhances the holding force for the retainer on the housing while maintaining a secure locking mechanism, preventing rearward displacement and ensuring reliable connection without increased frictional resistance during the transition from partial to full locking positions.
Implementation Method 1
the detachable locking portion slides in contact with the locking portion while being resiliently deformed. Thus, frictional resistance is produced between the detachable locking portion and the locking portion
Implementation Method 2
the retainer is formed with a resiliently deformable detachable locking portion. In the process of mounting the retainer on the housing, the detachable locking portion rides over the locking portion while being resiliently deformed
Data Source
AI summary
It is aimed to improve a holding force for holding a retainer on a housing. A female connector (F) includes a female housing (10), female terminal fittings (27) to be inserted into the female housing (10) from behind, and a retainer (36) mounted on the female housing (10). The retainer (36) is movable in a direction intersecting an inserting direction of the female terminal fittings (27) between a partial locking position where insertion of the female terminal fittings (27) into the female housing (10) is allowed and a full locking position where the female terminal fittings (27) inserted into the female housing (10) are retained. The female housing (10) is formed with displacement restricting portions (18). The retainer (36) is formed with hooking portions (43) capable of coming into contact with the displacement restricting portions (18) from front when the retainer (36) is at the full locking position.