Connector Retainer Path Layout Against Accidental Full Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors face issues where external matters can inadvertently push the retainer from a temporary locking position to a complete locking position, preventing reliable retention of the terminal fitting during insertion.
Innovation Solution
The connector design incorporates a housing and retainer with a displacement path in a two-dimensional plane parallel to an exposed surface, featuring arcuate guide surfaces and resilient holding pieces that mitigate external interference, ensuring the retainer remains at the temporary locking position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protrusion is formed on the housing to prevent the retainer from moving, then the retainer can be protected from external matter, but the protection is incomplete because the protrusion covers only a part of the outer surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional protrusion protection to two-dimensional plane protection by configuring the displacement path in a plane parallel to the exposed surface. This dimensional expansion ensures that the entire outer surface is protected, not just specific points.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection mechanism is divided into two functional components: the protrusion structure for point contact protection and the planar displacement path constraint for comprehensive protection. This segmentation allows each component to address specific aspects of the problem.
2Ease of operation
If the retainer is designed to be freely displaceable between positions, then insertion operation is easy, but external matter can inadvertently push the retainer to the complete locking position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-configuring the displacement path constraints and protrusion structures before any external interference occurs. These pre-established geometric constraints prevent unwanted movement while preserving intentional operational movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer maintains dynamic displaceability between temporary and complete locking positions through defined displacement paths, while simultaneous geometric constraints (protrusions and parallel plane restrictions) provide static protection against external interference. This combines dynamic functionality with static protection.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector is provided with a housing (10) for accommodating a terminal fitting (25) and a retainer (32) attached to the housing (10) and relatively displaceable between a temporary locking position for enabling insertion of the terminal fitting (25) into the housing (10) and a complete locking position for restricting separation of the terminal fitting (25) from the housing (10). An outer surface (32R) of the retainer (32) is formed with an accommodation recess (34) for accommodating the housing (10). A displacement path of the retainer (32) from the temporary locking position to the complete locking position is set in a two-dimensional plane parallel to a rear surface (10R) of the housing (10) in an opening of the accommodation recess (34).