Connector Separation Prevention Rib Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing connector devices, there is a risk of the first connector housing being separated from the panel when the fitting of the second connector housing is stopped part-way, leading to potential separation of both connector housings before the temporary locking arm is re-locked to the mounting hole.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a separation prevention portion, such as a separation prevention rib, which engages with the locking arm when the temporary locking arm is released, allowing the first connector housing to be pulled back and re-locked to the mounting hole, preventing separation from the panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the temporary locking arm is released during the fitting of the second connector housing, then the fitting operation can proceed, but the first connector housing may be separated from the panel if the fitting is stopped part-way
Solution Approach 1:
The separation prevention rib protrudes from the locking arm to preemptively counteract the harmful effect of separation. When the temporary locking arm is released during fitting, the separation prevention rib engages with the locking protrusion on the panel to prevent the first connector housing from being pulled away, thus applying counter-action before separation can occur
Solution Approach 2:
The separation prevention rib acts as an intermediary element between the locking arm and the locking protrusion. It transfers and maintains the locking force even when the temporary locking arm is released, serving as a mediator that ensures continuous connection stability throughout the fitting operation
2Reliability
If the locking arm is bent outward during fitting, then the main locking portions can engage, but the first connector housing is restricted from moving relative to the panel
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arm is designed to dynamically change its state during the fitting process. It transitions from a flexible state (bent outward by the inclined surface) to a locked state (engaged with the locking protrusion), and finally to a restricted state (prevented from moving by the separation prevention rib). This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt to different stages of operation
Data Source
AI summary
A separation prevention rib (85) is formed in a locking protrusion (80), an engagement portion (31) of a locking arm (30) is caught on the separation prevention rib (85) when a second connector housing (60) is separated, and thus a first connector housing (10) is pulled by the separation operation of the second connector housing (60) to re-lock the first connector housing (10) to a panel (P).