Connector Side Retainer Cam Mechanism Waterproofing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors require additional waterproof seals for the side retainer, increasing complexity and cost due to the need for side openings, which compromises the connector's waterproofing and holding capability.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a side retainer with an inclined cam surface that allows manipulation from the inlet, eliminating the need for side openings and additional seals, using a tool to move the retainer between lock and unlock positions, and incorporating a click stop mechanism and foolproofing part for secure terminal alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a side retainer is used to engage directly with the terminal for high holding capability, then the holding capability is improved, but additional waterproof seals are required which increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The side retainer is integrated into the terminal holder body as a unified structure, eliminating the need for separate waterproof seals at the side opening. The retainer and terminal holder form a combined structure where the retainer protrusions engage terminals while the integrated design maintains waterproofing without additional sealing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The side retainer is designed to be movable and removable from the terminal holder. When not in use, the retainer can be extracted or moved to a non-interfering position, allowing the side opening to remain sealed by the integrated structure rather than requiring separate waterproof seals.
2Device complexity
If a front retainer with lance portion is used, then the structure is simpler, but the holding capability depends only on the lance portion strength which is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The side retainer is combined with the front retainer structure to form an integrated retaining system. The side retainer protrusions work together with the lance portion to provide enhanced holding capability through multiple engagement points, while the integrated design maintains structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining structure uses a composite approach combining the lance portion (front retainer) with side retainer protrusions, creating a multi-component retaining system that leverages the strengths of both mechanisms to achieve high holding capability while maintaining reasonable structural simplicity.
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 design enhances the connector's waterproofing and holding capability without additional seals, simplifies the structure, and prevents inappropriate connections by ensuring the side retainer can be manipulated without side openings, thus maintaining the connector's integrity and reducing the number of necessary seals.
Implementation Method 1
the side retainer has a retainer manipulation portion including an inclined cam surface, the inclined cam surface being configured to convert a displacement of the tool in a direction in which the access passage extends to a movement of the side retainer in a direction traversing the terminal introduction passage
Data Source
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AI summary
In order to eliminate the need to provide a connector including a side retainer with an additional waterproof seal for the side retainer, the connector includes a terminal holder 14 in which the side retainer 18 is mounted, and the terminal holder is configured to define access passages 96, 98 such that a tool 130 for moving the side retainer 18 between first and second positions can be inserted into an inlet 40 of the terminal holder 14 so as to reach inclined cam surfaces 92A, 94A of the side retainer 18 and move the side retainer 18.