Connector Retainer Segmented Engagement Projections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors require difficult and potentially damaging procedures to remove retainers for terminal replacement, as existing methods involve forcibly inserting a jig to release engagement projections, risking damage to the retainer and connector housing.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a retainer with first and second flat plate portions and a side plate portion, where temporary and main engagement projections on the connector housing allow for easy attachment and removal using a releasing jig, with a releasing jig insertion hole at the tip end of the first flat plate portion to prevent deep insertion and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a jig is forcibly inserted into the gap between the connector housing and the retainer to remove the retainer, then the retainer can be removed from the connector housing, but the retainer and the connector housing may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement structure is segmented into multiple engagement projections (temporary and main) distributed along the attaching direction. This segmentation allows the retainer to be engaged at multiple points, providing stable attachment while enabling controlled removal through the releasing jig insertion hole without requiring forced insertion that could cause damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The releasing jig insertion hole serves as an intermediary access point that allows the releasing jig to reach the engagement projections internally without passing through the external gap between the connector housing and retainer. This intermediary pathway eliminates the need for forced external insertion, preventing damage to both the retainer and connector housing while enabling easy removal.
2Reliability
If the retainer is securely attached to the connector housing to retain the terminal, then the terminal is reliably retained, but the retainer becomes difficult to remove for replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement structure transitions from a static permanent connection to a dynamic reversible connection. The engagement projections can be engaged to provide secure terminal retention, and disengaged through the releasing jig insertion hole to enable easy retainer removal for replacement, thus achieving both reliability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The releasing jig insertion hole is pre-provided in the retainer structure, allowing the releasing jig to be inserted from the terminal accommodating chamber side to release the engagement projections. This preliminary preparation enables easy retainer removal without requiring damage or complex procedures, while maintaining secure attachment during normal use.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a cylindrical connector housing having a retainer and a terminal accommodating chamber in which a terminal is to be inserted. The retainer has first and second flat plate portions, a side plate portion, and a front plate portion. The retainer is attached to the cylindrical connector housing along an attaching direction. A temporary engagement projection and a main engagement projection are provided on a housing outer surface of the cylindrical connector housing so as to be arranged in parallel each other and extend along a direction substantially perpendicular to the attaching direction of the retainer. The temporary engagement projection has a height from the housing outer surface higher than that of the main engagement projection.