Connector Retainer Positioning for Reliable Mating Confirmation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The efficiency of connector assembly operations is reduced due to the need for a connection assurance component to move from a temporary locking position to a complete locking position after mating connectors are connected.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a retainer with a resiliently deformable locking lance and a restricting portion that allows the retainer to move between a retracted position, a locking position, and a completion position, eliminating the need for a separate connection assurance member by confirming the completion of connection through the retainer's movement and exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a connection assurance component is used to detect proper connection completion, then connection reliability is improved, but assembly operation efficiency deteriorates due to the need for separate movement from temporary to complete locking position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connection assurance function with the retainer's locking function by integrating the detection mechanism into the retainer's movement from locking position to completion position. This eliminates the need for a separate connection assurance component, thereby improving assembly efficiency while maintaining connection reliability through the integrated detection capability.
2Reliability
If a retainer with restricting portion is used to control locking lance deformation, then locking reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional movable positions and structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic positioning of the retainer with three distinct positions (retracted, locking, and completion) to control the locking lance deformation dynamically. The restricting portion is selectively positioned to allow or prevent deformation as needed, providing reliable locking control while managing structural complexity through functional dynamics rather than static over-engineering.
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
This design enhances the efficiency of connector assembly operations by eliminating the need for separate movement of a connection assurance member and ensures accurate confirmation of connection completion.
Implementation Method 1
a resiliently deformable locking lance for locking the terminal, the retainer including a restricting portion for restricting resilient deformation of the locking lance by entering a resilient deformation space, the locking lance being resiliently deformed into the resilient deformation space
Data Source
AI summary
A connector to be connected to a mating connector includes a terminal, a housing for accommodating the terminal and a retainer to be movably assembled with the housing. The housing includes a resiliently deformable locking lance for locking the terminal. The retainer includes a restricting portion 62 for restricting resilient deformation of the locking lance by entering a resilient deformation space 43, into which the locking lance is resiliently deformed. The retainer is movable between a retracted position where the restricting portion 62 is retracted from the resilient deformation space 43 and a locking position where the restricting portion 62 is located in the resilient deformation space 43 with the terminal locked by the locking lance. The retainer further moves between the locking position and a completion position indicating the completion of connection of the housing and the mating connector as the mating connector and the housing are connected.