Female Connector Retainer Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional connectors face issues with the cancellation of retainer locking mechanisms, requiring unnecessary operation of the retainer operating jig, leading to potential failures and increased production costs due to complex configurations.

Innovation Solution

The connector design includes temporary and proper locking jig inserting holes with tapered portions in the retainer, allowing the retainer operating jig to displace the retainer between locking positions smoothly and efficiently without requiring special construction, enabling easy cancellation and implementation of locking operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the retainer operating jig is inserted from the jig inserting opening in the inclined direction to displace the retainer, then the retainer can be moved to the temporary locking position, but the operation becomes complex and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretainer displacement operationVSAvoidretainer operating jig configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of inserting the retainer operating jig from the inclined jig inserting opening as in conventional designs, this invention inserts the jig from the rear surface of the connector housing in a direction substantially perpendicular to the terminal inserting direction. This inverted approach simplifies the jig configuration and reduces production costs while achieving the same retainer displacement function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If the retainer operating jig is operated more than required to ensure smooth operation, then the retainer can be reliably displaced, but the locking mechanism and connector housing may fail

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretainer displacement reliabilityVSAvoidconnector housing and locking mechanism failure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer operating jig is designed with a jig side tapered portion that engages with the retainer side tapered portion to provide controlled displacement. The jig includes a head portion that limits the insertion depth, preventing excessive operation. This ensures reliable retainer displacement to the temporary locking position without over-operating the mechanism, thereby avoiding damage to the connector housing and locking mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the retainer inserting opening and jig inserting opening are located inside the lever or protection wall, then the connector structure is compact, but the retainer operating jig cannot be inserted to cancel locking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector structure compatibilityVSAvoidretainer locking cancellation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connector housing is designed with a separate rear surface that is accessible from outside the lever and protection wall. The retainer operating jig inserting hole is provided on this rear surface, allowing the jig to be inserted independently without removing the lever or protection wall. This segmentation enables locking cancellation while maintaining the compact integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If the retainer is locked in the temporary locking position during terminal insertion, then the terminal can be easily inserted, but the terminal may not be securely locked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterminal insertionVSAvoidterminal locking security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer is designed to automatically move to the temporary locking position during terminal insertion, providing preliminary locking guidance and ease of insertion. After insertion is complete, the retainer can be further displaced to the proper locking position using the retainer operating jig, ensuring secure terminal locking. This two-stage process combines ease of insertion with reliable security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary 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

This design facilitates the cancellation and implementation of retainer locking operations without over-operating the retainer operating jig, preventing connector housing and locking mechanism failures while reducing production costs and ensuring smooth operation.

Implementation Method 1

the retainer operating jig that is inserted into the temporary locking jig inserting hole and is brought into sliding contact with the retainer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS7347732B2Connector

Publication Date: 2008.03.25 YAZAKI CORP

AI summary

A temporary locking jig inserting hole which enables a retainer operating jig to be inserted thereinto from the outside is provided on a side of an inner housing of a female connector from which electric wires are drawn out in such a manner as to extend along a direction in which female terminals are inserted into the inner housing. In addition, a temporary locking retainer side tapered portion is provided on a retainer in such a manner as to correspond in position to the temporary locking jig inserting hole. In association with the insertion of the retainer operating jig from the temporary locking jig inserting hole, the temporary locking retainer side tapered portion is brought into sliding contact with a jig side tapered portion of the retainer operating jig, so as to displace the retainer which is being in a proper locking position to a temporary locking position.