Connector Retainer Inclination Prevention Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connectors with retainer mechanisms face issues with retainer inclination when terminal fittings are pulled, leading to a loss of retention due to reduced engagement areas, especially when cavities are arranged in a row.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating side-plate inclination preventing parts with locking arms, ribs, and reinforcements in the retainer and housing to stabilize the retainer at full locking positions, preventing inclination and ensuring secure retention of terminal fittings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the retainer is allowed to move freely in the housing to enable terminal fittings to be inserted and withdrawn, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability of the retainer is worsened when strong forces are exerted on the terminal fittings in a withdrawing direction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of insertion and withdrawal of terminal fittingsVSAvoidstability of retainer position

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by providing inclination preventing parts (such as ribs or guide surfaces) on the housing that act in advance to counteract the inclination force generated when terminal fittings are pulled. These parts create a preliminary counteracting force that prevents the retainer from inclining beyond a predetermined degree, thus maintaining stability while allowing operational movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary element (the inclination preventing part) between the retainer and the housing wall. This intermediary component mediates the interaction by providing a controlled interface that allows the retainer to move for insertion/withdrawal while simultaneously preventing excessive inclination through geometric constraints or frictional contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the retainer main body is constructed to include only an upper plate to allow greater inclination, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of retention is worsened as the engagement area decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverange of retainer movementVSAvoidretention reliability of terminal fittings

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The inclination preventing parts provide preliminary counteraction to the inclination force, ensuring that the retainer maintains sufficient engagement area with the terminal fittings. By acting in advance to limit inclination, these parts prevent the harmful reduction of engagement area while still allowing adequate movement for operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of retainer inclination into a beneficial controlled movement. The inclination preventing parts transform the uncontrolled inclination that would reduce engagement area into a controlled, limited movement that maintains both operational ease and retention reliability through predetermined geometric constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Ease of operation

If a clearance is provided between the retainer mount groove and the retainer for smooth movement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the object-generated harmful factors are worsened due to potential retainer inclination and loss of retention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesmooth movement of retainerVSAvoidretainer inclination and retention loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The inclination preventing parts act as intermediary elements within the clearance space between the retainer mount groove and the retainer. These parts mediate the interaction by allowing smooth movement through the clearance while simultaneously preventing harmful inclination, thus converting the potential harm of excessive movement into beneficial controlled operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS7445524B2Connector

Publication Date: 2008.11.04 SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS LTD

AI summary

When a retainer (30) is at a full locking position, back ribs (41) are located at positions right behind reinforcing portions (38). Thus, if a force acts to withdraw terminal fittings (10) and the retainer (30) tries to incline by having retaining portions (32) pushed backward, the reinforcing portions (38) come into contact with the back ribs (41) to prevent any further inclination of the retainer (30). Thus, even in a connector (1) in which cavities (21) are arranged in a row, the terminal fittings (10) can be reliably held retained by suppressing the inclination of the retainer (30). Since it is sufficient to provide the back ribs (41) in the housing (20), at least the retainer (30) needs not change its shape.