CPA Connector Assembly for Narrow Housing Mating Assurance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors with connector position assurance devices face challenges in miniaturization, particularly in achieving a narrow width without compromising the ability to ensure complete mating and maintain the mated state, as the rail for guiding the connector position assurance device becomes difficult to place.
Innovation Solution
The connector features a guiding portion positioned rearward of the mating portion, with a beam portion that abuts and is removed during complete mating, and includes spaced and bulging portions to prevent abnormal deformation and provide a click feel, ensuring correct positioning and maintaining the mated state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the connector width is reduced to achieve miniaturization, then the connector size is reduced, but it becomes difficult to place the rail for guiding the connector position assurance device
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding portion is repositioned from the lateral width direction to the rear longitudinal direction of the connector. Instead of placing the rail horizontally across the narrow width, the guiding portion extends from the rear of the housing toward the mating portion, utilizing the longitudinal dimension to provide adequate guiding space without compromising connector width.
2Volume of moving object
If the latch width and connector position assurance device width are reduced for miniaturization, then the connector width is reduced, but the ability to ensure complete mating may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The beam portion of the connector position assurance device is designed to abut against the abutting portion of the housing before complete mating occurs. This preliminary abutment prevents the connector from being fully inserted until the correct position is achieved, ensuring reliable complete mating even with reduced dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding portion acts as an intermediary mechanism between the connector position assurance device and the housing. It provides a dedicated guiding path that ensures proper alignment and positioning, mediating the interaction between the reduced-width components to maintain reliable mating assurance.
3Volume of moving object
If the connector position assurance device is made narrow for miniaturization, then the connector width is reduced, but resistance to unintended movement may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connector position assurance device is segmented into distinct functional portions: a base portion that interfaces with the guiding portion, a beam portion that provides abutment, and spaced portions with bulging portions that engage with the guiding rail. This segmentation allows each portion to contribute specifically to movement resistance while maintaining overall compact dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The bulging portions are strategically positioned within the spaced portions to create localized engagement points with the guiding rail. These localized protrusions provide concentrated resistance to unintended movement at critical positions, ensuring stability without requiring the entire device to be larger.
Data Source
Figure 1(A)~1(B)
Figure 2
Figure 3(A)~3(B)
AI summary
[Problem] To provide a connector provided with a CPA which is adapted to a narrow connector housing and which accurately assures a complete fitting state. [Solution] A connector 10 includes a housing 20 and a CPA 50. The CPA 50 moves between a first position and a second position that is closer to a mating connector 60, and assures a complete fitting state by being positioned at the second position. Further, the housing 20 has a guide portion 22 that is provided behind a fitting portion 21 which mates the mating connector 60, and that guides movement of the CPA 50. The CPA 50 has a beam portion 53 that protrudes forward. Moreover, the housing 20 has a contact portion 24 that inhibits movement of the CPA 50 to the second position by coming into contact with the beam portion 53 of the CPA 50 that is located at the first position. When contact of the beam portion 53 with the contact portion 24 is canceled by the mating connector 60 in the complete fitting, the CPA 50 is allowed to move to the second position.