Connector Structure With Segmented Movable Retainer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector structures allow relative movement between plug side connectors when disconnected, impairing handling efficiency, and using a side retainer prevents individual removal of plug side connectors.
Innovation Solution
A connector structure with a moveable member, locking engaging portion, and stopper portion on the plug side connectors that restricts longitudinal movement when engaged, allowing individual disconnection without a side retainer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a side retainer is used to restrict relative movement between plug side connectors, then handling efficiency is improved, but individual removal of plug side connectors becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The side retainer is divided into multiple independent movable retaining portions (first retaining portion, second retaining portion, third retaining portion, fourth retaining portion), each corresponding to a specific plug side connector. This segmentation allows each plug side connector to be individually retained or released while maintaining the overall structure's integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining portions are designed to be movable between a retaining position and a release position. This dynamic capability allows the side retainer to adapt its function: when all retaining portions are in the retaining position, multiple plug side connectors are restricted together; when specific retaining portions are moved to the release position, individual plug side connectors can be removed while others remain restricted.
2Adaptability or versatility
If plug side connectors are allowed to move relative to each other when disconnected, then individual removal is easy, but handling efficiency and alignment are impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The side retainer is divided into multiple independent movable retaining portions (first retaining portion, second retaining portion, third retaining portion, fourth retaining portion), each corresponding to a specific plug side connector. This segmentation allows each plug side connector to be individually retained or released while maintaining the overall structure's integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining portions are designed to be movable between a retaining position and a release position. This dynamic capability allows the side retainer to adapt its function: when all retaining portions are in the retaining position, multiple plug side connectors are restricted together; when specific retaining portions are moved to the release position, individual plug side connectors can be removed while others remain restricted.
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
Prevents relative movement between plug side connectors during disconnection, enabling individual removal while maintaining connection efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a longitudinal movement restricting protrusion provided on one of side surfaces of the moveable member facing in the lateral direction so as to move in the vertical direction in synchronism with the locking engaging portion; and a stopper portion provided on another of the side surfaces of the moveable member facing in the lateral direction so as to move in the vertical direction in synchronism with the locking engaging portion, and configured to restrict a movement of the longitudinal movement restricting protrusion of the laterally adjoining second housing in the longitudinal direction
Implementation Method 2
a moveable member provided on at least one of side surfaces of each second housing facing in a vertical direction which is orthogonal to the lateral direction and the longitudinal direction so as to be resiliently moveable in the vertical direction
Data Source
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AI summary
A plurality of plug side connectors are prevented from moving relative to each other in the connecting/disconnecting direction with respect to the device side connector, and one of the plug side connectors can be individually disconnected from the device side connector. The connector structure includes a longitudinal movement restricting protrusion (54) provided on one of laterally facing side surfaces of the moveable member which is resiliently deformably provided on the plug side housing (32), and a pair of stopper portions (56, 58) provided on another of the laterally facing side surfaces of the piece (48), and configured to restrict a movement of the longitudinal movement restricting protrusion (54) of the laterally adjoining second housing (32) in the longitudinal direction by aligning with the longitudinal movement restricting protrusion (54) with respect to the longitudinal direction. When in an unlocked state in which the plug side connector (30) can be pulled out of the device side connector (10), the longitudinal movement restricting protrusion (54) and the stopper portions (56, 58) are placed out of alignment with each other to release the restriction of the movement in the longitudinal direction.