Connector Retainer Recess for Tab Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Miniaturization of connectors has led to issues where the tip of the tab may protrude rearward, interfering with the detection piece and hindering its detection function.
Innovation Solution
A connector design with a tubular box portion having open front and rear surfaces and a retainer with a detection piece featuring a recess to avoid interference with the tab, ensuring proper function even if the tab protrudes, and a gate-shaped detection surface for enhanced reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the connector is miniaturized, then the size is reduced, but the tab may protrude rearward and interfere with the detection piece
Solution Approach 1:
The detection piece is segmented by introducing a recess that divides its structure into regions, allowing the tab to pass through without interfering with the detection surface. This segmentation enables the detection piece to accommodate the tab while maintaining its detection function.
Solution Approach 2:
The recess acts as an intermediary space between the tab and the detection surface of the detection piece. This intermediate region allows the tab to protrude rearward without coming into contact with the detection surface, thereby preventing interference while maintaining the detection function.
2Manufacturing precision
If the tab protrudes rearward from the box portion, then dimensional tolerance is accommodated, but interference with the detection piece occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The potential harmful effect of tab protrusion due to dimensional tolerance is converted into a beneficial feature by designing the recess to accommodate this protrusion. The recess transforms what would be a harmful interference into an acceptable design feature that maintains both manufacturing tolerance and functional reliability.
3Measurement precision
If the detection piece contacts the rear end of the box portion, then the detection function is achieved, but the tab interference prevents proper detection
Solution Approach 1:
The detection piece has different local qualities: a recess region that accommodates the tab and allows passage, and a detection surface region that maintains contact with the box portion for detection. This local differentiation enables the detection piece to simultaneously avoid tab interference and maintain detection accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
It is aimed to provide a connector capable of properly exhibiting functions of a detection piece. A connector is provided with a housing (10) including a cavity (16), a terminal fitting (40) to be inserted into the cavity (16) from behind and including a tubular box portion (41) having open front and rear surfaces, a tab (31) of a mating terminal fitting (30) being inserted into the box portion (41) from front, and a retainer (60) to be mounted into the housing (10) and including a detection piece (64) capable of coming into contact with a rear end of the box portion (41). The detection piece (64) includes a recess (73) for avoiding interference with the tab (31) passed through the box portion (41).