Connector Connecting Tool With Guided Protrusions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connection devices require a large number of components and a significant operation force to connect multiple connectors, with the need for a special force-multiplying mechanism and a separate holder that remains between connectors after connection, making them cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connection device with a connector unit and a connecting tool that uses guided protrusions and guiding grooves to facilitate the connection of first and second connectors with a small operation force, allowing the tool to be detached after connection, thus reducing the number of components and eliminating the need for a separate holder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a special force multiplying mechanism such as a lever is attached to each connector to reduce operation force, then the operation force for connecting connectors is reduced, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the force multiplication function into a single connector connecting tool that collectively connects multiple first connectors and second connectors. Instead of attaching individual levers to each connector, the tool incorporates a force multiplying mechanism (inclined plane) that operates on all connectors simultaneously through a single tool operation, reducing both operation force and overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector connecting tool serves multiple functions: it holds multiple second connectors in alignment, guides them to the first connectors, and provides force multiplication through the inclined plane mechanism. This multi-functional tool eliminates the need for separate force multiplying mechanisms at each connector, reducing component count while maintaining low operation force.
2Manufacturing precision
If connectors are connected individually with separate operations, then each connector can be connected precisely, but the productivity and time required for connection decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual connecting operations into a single collective operation. The connector connecting tool simultaneously connects multiple first connectors and second connectors by moving them relative to each other in unison, maintaining precise alignment through the guiding portion while dramatically improving productivity by eliminating repetitive individual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector connecting tool preliminarily aligns and holds multiple second connectors in the correct positions before the actual connection occurs. The guiding portion with guiding grooves pre-establishes the spatial relationships, ensuring that when the connection operation is performed, all connectors are already positioned for precise engagement.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a holder is used to hold split housings during connection, then the connectors can be aligned properly, but the device becomes larger and heavier after connection due to the remaining holder
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the holding and alignment function from a separate permanent holder and integrates it into the connector connecting tool. The tool includes a holding portion that temporarily holds second connectors during the connection process, but the tool itself is designed to be removed after connection. This eliminates the need for a permanent holder that would add weight and size to the final assembly.
4Force
If a connector connecting tool with guiding grooves and guided portions is used to collectively connect connectors, then the operation force is reduced, but the number of components increases due to the holder and guiding mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the holding function, guiding function, and force multiplication function into a single integrated connector connecting tool. The tool includes a holding portion for alignment, guiding portions with inclined planes for force multiplication, and guiding grooves for directional movement. By merging these functions into one tool rather than using separate holder and connecting mechanism, the number of components is reduced while maintaining low operation force.
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
Enables the collective connection of multiple connectors with a reduced operation force and without a remaining holder, enhancing versatility and efficiency by using a single tool for both connection and holding functions.
Implementation Method 1
The connection guiding portion guides the guided portion in a connection guiding direction that is inclined toward the connector connecting direction with respect to a direction parallel to the tool operating direction. Thus, the connector connecting tool is displaced in the connector connecting direction with respect to the connector unit with a force larger than an operation force received by the connector connecting tool
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connection device includes a connector unit (2) having first connectors aligned in an arrangement direction, second connectors and a connecting tool (30). The connecting tool (30) detachably holds the second connectors in an alignment corresponding to that of the first connectors. One of the connector unit (2) and the connecting tool (30) includes a guided portion (5), and the other includes a guiding portion (50). The guiding portion (50) includes a receiving portion for receiving the guided portion (5) in a receiving direction, a connection guiding portion for guiding the guided portion (5) to displace the connector unit (2) and the connecting tool (30) in a connector connecting direction as the connector connecting tool (30) is operated with respect to the connector unit (2) in the arrangement direction, and a separation allowing portion for allowing separation of the guided portion (5) from the connection guiding portion.