External Mating Retentioner for Compact Connector Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies have a large physical size due to the internal placement of the mating retentioner, which limits the miniaturization of the mated portion.
Innovation Solution
The connector design includes a housing with elastic deformation portions and a mating retentioner that is entirely external, limiting the displacement of restricted portions and maintaining the latched state, while allowing the mating retentioner to be moved between an allowance and a retention position, thus reducing the physical size of the mated portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the mating retentioner is disposed inside the partner connector, then the latching state can be maintained, but the physical size of the mated portion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mating retentioner is extracted from the internal configuration and repositioned to be disposed entirely outside the partner connector. This extraction resolves the contradiction by removing the space-consuming internal component while preserving its latching function through external placement, thereby reducing the physical size of the mated portion without compromising reliability
2Ease of manufacture
If the elastic deformation portions are energized toward the partner connector, then the latching sound becomes louder, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic deformation portions are configured to be energized toward the partner connector, which changes the physical state and energy configuration of the elastic components. This parameter change enables louder latching sound feedback as the elastic portions release stored energy more forcefully during engagement, while the change is achieved through configuration rather than added complexity
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
This configuration reduces the physical size of the mated portion by externalizing the mating retentioner, allowing for a more compact connector assembly while maintaining the latched state and enabling louder sound feedback during mating.
Implementation Method 1
The housing has elastic deformation portions that are elastically deformable
Implementation Method 2
the elastic deformation portions are energized toward the partner connector in a state in which the housing is fully mated to the partner connector. In this configuration, the sound when the latching portions become latched to the partner connector can be made louder
Data Source
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AI summary
A connector including a housing and a mating retentioner. The housing has elastic deformation portions, and restricted portions and latching portions that are displaced in accompaniment with deformation of the elastic deformation portions. In a state in which the housing is inserted into a partner connector and is fully mated to the partner connector, the latching portions are latched to the partner connector and the restricted portions are exposed outside the partner connector. The mating retentioner is configured to limit displacement of the restricted portions in a state in which the mating retentioner is attached to the housing and disposed in a mating retention position at the housing, and is disposed entirely outside the partner connector in a state in which the mating retentioner is disposed in the mating retention position.