Connector Shell Groove Engagement Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors face issues with insufficient fixation between the shell and the main body due to potential omission or insufficient bending, leading to the risk of the shell slipping out during insertion or withdrawal, and damage to projecting portions.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a shell with projecting portions that engage with grooves formed orthogonally to the connecting direction, eliminating the need for bending and allowing the use of high-strength materials, with lateral portions and back face portions providing additional strength and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the shell is bent after assembly for fixation, then the shell and main body can be fixed together, but there is possibility of insufficient fixation due to omission or insufficient bending
Solution Approach 1:
The groove is pre-formed in the main body before assembly, and the projecting portion is pre-formed on the shell. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for post-assembly bending operations, ensuring reliable fixation while simplifying the manufacturing process. The engagement features are ready to receive each other upon assembly, preventing any risk of insufficient fixation.
2Reliability
If the groove is formed along the connecting direction, then the shell and main body can be fixed, but the shell may slip out inadvertently during insertion or withdrawal of the connection object
Solution Approach 1:
The groove is formed along a direction orthogonal (perpendicular) to the connecting direction of the connection object, while the projecting portion extends in the connecting direction. This dimensional arrangement creates a locking effect where the projecting portion engages the groove in one direction while preventing slip-out in the orthogonal direction during insertion or withdrawal operations.
3Reliability
If the projecting portion is formed by bending after assembly, then fixation can be achieved, but there is risk of damage to the projecting portions
Solution Approach 1:
The projecting portion is pre-formed on the shell as an integral part before assembly, and the groove is pre-formed in the main body. This eliminates the need for post-assembly bending operations that could damage the projecting portions. The engagement features are designed to receive each other in their original formed state, preserving the strength and integrity of the projecting portions.
4Strength
If high-strength materials are used for the shell and main body, then fixation strength is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate components (shell, main body, connection object) with pre-formed engagement features. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using cost-effective processes, while the orthogonal groove and projecting portion design ensures high-strength fixation without requiring expensive high-strength materials throughout the entire assembly.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a connector free from such inadvertent withdrawal or slip-out of the shell from the main body (1, 2) during insertion or drawing-out of the connection object. The connector C includes a contact (4) to be electrically connected to a connection object, a main body (1, 2) holding the contact (4), and a shell (5) covering the main body (1, 2). The main body (1, 2) includes a first end portion (13) on a side to which the connection object is connected, a second end portion (14) opposite to the first end portion (13), and a groove (18) formed along a direction orthogonal to a connecting direction of the connection object; and the shell (5) includes a projecting portion (55) which projects to an inner side of the shell (5) for engaging within the groove (18).