Connector Wire Cover Locking Restricting Member Deflection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connectors allow wire covers to detach inadvertently when pulled obliquely due to deformation of lock pieces under external force, leading to unreliable wire cover attachment.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a restricting member that inserts into a deflection space between the cover-side lock and housing-side lock to restrict deflection, ensuring the wire cover remains securely attached even under external forces, with a rotatable wire cover design for enhanced stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the wire cover is made rotatable and the lock pieces are made resilient to enable easy mounting, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of the connection deteriorates when external oblique forces are applied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of mounting wire coverVSAvoidreliability of wire cover attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is divided into two independent functional segments: resilient lock pieces for easy mounting operation, and a separate restricting member for preventing detachment under external forces. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in one function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The restricting member is installed in advance to preemptively counteract the potential harmful effect of oblique external forces before they can cause detachment. It restricts the deflection space of the lock pieces beforehand, preventing the unwanted rotational movement that would lead to disengagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Ease of manufacture

If the lock pieces are made resilient to allow easy mounting, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the stability of the connection deteriorates under external pulling forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of mounting wire coverVSAvoidstability of wire cover connection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The manufacturing and assembly process is segmented into two stages: first, the resilient lock pieces are deformed to enable easy snap-in mounting; second, the restricting member is installed to provide long-term stability. This segmentation resolves the conflict between easy assembly and stable connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The restricting member acts as an intermediary element between the resilient lock pieces and the housing. It mediates the interaction by limiting the deflection of the lock pieces, thereby transferring and distributing the external forces in a way that maintains connection stability without compromising the ease of initial mounting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the lock pieces have large deflection space to accommodate mounting variations, then the adaptability is improved, but the reliability deteriorates when external forces cause excessive deflection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to mounting variationsVSAvoidreliability against detachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The deflection space is differentiated into two zones: a permitted deflection zone that accommodates mounting variations and enhances adaptability, and a restricted zone beyond which the restricting member prevents further deflection. This local differentiation of deflection permissions maintains both adaptability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The restricting member is positioned in advance to counteract excessive deflection before it can occur during normal operation. It preemptively limits the deflection space to a safe range, preventing the lock pieces from deflecting too far and disengaging from the hooks under external forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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

Prevents unintended detachment of the wire cover by restricting deflection of the locks, maintaining secure attachment and facilitating easy return to the open position when external forces are applied.

Implementation Method 1

one of the cover-side lock and the housing-side lock is deformed resiliently

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

A restricting member is inserted into a deflection space for one of the cover-side lock and the housing-side lock to restrict deflection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical constraint:

Data Source

PatentUS9306319B2Connector

Publication Date: 2016.04.05 SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS LTD

AI summary

A connector includes a housing (10) into which terminal fittings (110) are accommodated and a housing-side lock (26). A wire cover (70) is mounted on the housing (10) to cover wires (200) pulled out from the housing (10). The wire cover (70) includes a cover-side lock (73) at a position to be lockable to the housing-side lock (26) in a mounted state and is held on the housing (10) by being locked to the cover-side lock (73) after the housing-side lock (26) is resiliently deformed. A restricting member (90) is inserted into a deflection space for the housing-side lock (26) to restrict the deflection of the housing-side lock (26) when the cover-side lock (73) and the housing-side lock (26) are in a locked state.