Connector Resilient Wall Rib Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors with resilient walls are prone to breakage due to concentrated stress when a retainer reaches the partial locking position, as the resilient wall is deflected and deformed outward, leading to potential breakage.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an erroneous arrangement identifying portion, such as a rib, on the resilient wall to reinforce it and prevent erroneous retainer alignment, along with a recess to allow the locking protrusion to escape, thereby distributing stress and preventing breakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the resilient wall is deflected and deformed outward when the retainer reaches the partial locking position, then the locking protrusion can engage with the resilient wall, but stress concentrates and the resilient wall may break
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient wall is segmented into multiple regions: a reinforcement region with increased thickness, a locking engagement region, and a deflection region. This segmentation allows the reinforcement region to bear the concentrated stress while other regions perform their specific functions, preventing breakage during locking engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient wall has non-uniform thickness with a reinforcement region having greater thickness than other regions. This local quality enhancement concentrates structural strength where stress concentrates (at the locking engagement point) while maintaining flexibility and resilience in other areas of the wall.
2Strength
If a special reinforcing portion is added to enhance the resilient wall strength, then the resilient wall can withstand stress, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement region is merged with the resilient wall as an integrated structure rather than a separate component. The reinforcement is formed as part of the molding process, combining the strengthening function with the existing resilient wall structure without adding separate reinforcing portions or increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement region serves multiple functions: it strengthens the resilient wall to prevent breakage, maintains the resilient properties for locking engagement, and is integrated into the overall structural design. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate reinforcing components.
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
Enhances the strength of the resilient wall, prevents breakage by distributing stress and reducing assembly complexity, and simplifies the structure by eliminating the need for additional reinforcing features.
Implementation Method 1
the resilient wall is deflected and deformed outward when pressed by the locking protrusion
Implementation Method 2
a lock receiving portion for lockably receiving the locking protrusion by a resilient return of the resilient wall
Data Source
AI summary
A retainer (60) includes locking protrusions (66) projecting toward side surfaces of a housing (10). A resilient wall (18) defining a mounting hole (17) and including a part capable of interfering with the locking protrusion (66) is disposed on the side surface of the housing (10). The resilient wall (18) includes a lock receiving portion for lockably receiving the locking protrusion (66) by resilient return. An erroneous arrangement identifying portion (27) is disposed on an inner surface of the mounting hole (17) of the housing (10) for restricting an erroneous arrangement of the retainer (60) into the mounting hole (17). The erroneous arrangement identifying portion (27) is a rib-like part provided on the resilient wall (18).