Connector Stabilizer Segmentation for Improper Insertion Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors fail to prevent terminal fittings from being inserted into terminal accommodation chambers in improper postures, especially when clearance between the terminal fitting and the chamber is large, allowing for incorrect insertion.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a stabilizer projecting from the terminal fitting and an interfering portion on the inner wall of the terminal accommodation chamber, which contacts and presses the fitting when inserted improperly, preventing further insertion by increasing the interference and allowing early detection of improper posture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a stabilizer is formed by striking the outer peripheral wall of the terminal fitting, then the stabilizer has a relatively small projecting dimension, but if a clearance between the outer peripheral surface of the terminal fitting and the inner wall surface of the terminal accommodation chamber is large, the stabilizer does not interfere with the opening edge and the terminal fitting may be inserted in an improper posture
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer is divided into multiple projecting portions (first stabilizer portion and second stabilizer portion) with different functions: one for detecting improper posture early and another for preventing insertion at the opening edge, resolving the contradiction between small size and effective interference
2Loss of time
If the stabilizer is disposed at a position near the front end of the terminal fitting, then whether the terminal fitting is in an improper posture can be detected early in the process of inserting, but the stabilizer may interfere with the coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer is segmented into multiple portions positioned at different locations: the first stabilizer portion near the front end for early detection, and the second stabilizer portion positioned to prevent insertion without interfering with the coupling, thus resolving the contradiction between early detection and avoiding harmful interference
3Device complexity
If the interfering portion is formed in a part different from the escaping recess, then the shape of the inner wall of the terminal accommodation chamber becomes complex, but forming it in the escaping recess simplifies the inner wall shape
Solution Approach 1:
The escaping recess is given multiple functions: it serves as both an escape path for the coupling and as the location for the interfering portion that prevents improper insertion, thereby simplifying the overall structure while maintaining the prevention function
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a housing (10) formed with a terminal accommodation chamber (13) and a terminal fitting (30) to be inserted into the terminal accommodation chamber (13) from behind the housing (10). A stabilizer (35) projects from an outer peripheral surface of the terminal fitting (30), and an interfering portion (19) is formed on an inner wall of the terminal accommodation chamber (13). The terminal fitting (30) contacts the interfering portion (19) when the terminal fitting (30) is inserted into the terminal accommodation chamber (13) in an improper posture, and this contact presses the terminal fitting 30 in a direction intersecting a projecting direction of the stabilizer (35).