Connector Retainer Structure for Stable Fixing Under Shallow Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing attachment structures for connectors may fail to maintain a stable fixing state due to shallow retainer insertion or movement between retainer grooves, leading to potential detachment under vibration or stress.
Innovation Solution
The proposed attachment structure incorporates an external fitting body with a key groove and external retainer insertion grooves, and an internal fitting body with a pressing projection and internal retainer insertion grooves. A retainer with paired insertion pieces is used, ensuring that the retainer base portion overlaps between the edge portions of the pressing projection and the key groove, even at shallow insertion positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the retainer is inserted shallowly or positioned incorrectly, then the insertion process is simpler and faster, but the shear strength of the retainer is insufficient and the connector may detach
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing projection acts as an intermediary element between the retainer and the fitting bodies. It provides a dedicated positioning interface that guides the retainer into the correct position and ensures proper engagement depth, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving ease of insertion operation
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer structure is designed to self-position and self-lock during insertion. The pressing projection automatically engages with the key groove, and the retainer base portion naturally overlaps between the pressing projection and key groove edges, eliminating the need for precise manual positioning while ensuring reliable fixation
2Reliability
If the retainer insertion groove and retainer are precisely aligned, then the shear strength is maximized, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing projection serves as a mediating positioning element that bridges the retainer and external fitting body. It provides mechanical guidance that automatically aligns the retainer with the key groove during assembly, reducing the need for high-precision manufacturing while ensuring optimal shear strength engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing projection and key groove are designed with asymmetric geometric features that provide directional guidance during insertion. This asymmetric design ensures that the retainer can only be inserted in the correct orientation and position, automatically achieving precise alignment without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances
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 configuration ensures that the retainer functions as a shear resisting key, maintaining a stable fixing state and preventing connector detachment, even under conditions of shallow retainer insertion or vibration.
Implementation Method 1
the area of overlap between the insertion piece and either the internal or external retainer insertion groove may be reduced. As a result, the force due to shear strength of the retainer (insertion piece) may not function properly
Data Source
AI summary
In an attachment structure of a connector, a key groove extending in an axial direction of a cylinder, external insertion grooves formed at an inner circumferential portion on both sides of the key groove with the key groove interposed therebetween, and a insertion inlet which communicates with the external insertion grooves are formed in an external fitting body. a pressing projection provided to be protruded on an outer circumferential surface, and an internal insertion groove formed at an outer circumferential portion on both sides of the projection with the projection interposed therebetween are formed in an internal fitting body. A retainer is inserted from the insertion inlet, insertion pieces thereof are inserted across the internal insertion groove and the external insertion grooves, and a retainer base portion is overlapped between edge portions on both sides of the projection and on both sides of the key groove.