Flat Conductor Connector Locking With Slider Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flat conductor electric connectors face challenges in recognizing the completion of slider movement to the advance position due to size reduction, and are prone to unintended removal under external forces, leading to insecure connections.
Innovation Solution
A flat conductor electric connector design featuring a fitting detection member that moves between standby and detection positions, restricting slider movement and ensuring secure locking through an abutting portion and elastic arm portion, facilitating easy recognition of slider position and preventing unwanted removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the connector size is reduced, then the compactness is improved, but the visibility of slider position completion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The detection member changes color (from non-green to green) to indicate the slider position. This visual color change provides clear feedback about whether the slider has reached the advance position, solving the visibility problem even in a compact connector design.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection member acts as an intermediary between the slider mechanism and the user. It translates the internal slider position into an externally visible signal (color change), allowing users to detect slider position completion without increasing connector size.
2Reliability
If the locking mechanism is made more secure, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection member is integrated with the slider mechanism, combining the locking function and detection function into a unified structure. This reduces overall complexity while maintaining secure locking through the elastic arm and locking protrusion interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic arm automatically engages with the locking protrusion when the slider reaches the advance position, creating a self-locking mechanism. The system uses its own mechanical energy to maintain the locked state without additional components or complex control systems.
3Reliability
If the slider movement restriction is strengthened, then the prevention of unwanted removal is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic arm provides dynamic restriction rather than rigid constraint. It allows controlled movement during intentional insertion/removal operations while preventing unwanted removal through elastic engagement with the locking protrusion, balancing security with operability.
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 visibility of slider position completion and maintains secure connection by reducing unnecessary removal, even under external forces, thus ensuring reliable attachment of flat conductors.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic arm portion is elastically displaceable, and at the advance position, is lockable to part of the housing from a front
Data Source
AI summary
A flat conductor connector includes terminals, a housing, a slider movable between a retreat position and an advance position, and a detection member detecting the advance position. The housing includes a locking portion lockable to a flat conductor. The locking portion protrudes in an upper-lower direction. The slider allows at the retreat position, and restricts at the advance position, removal of the flat conductor. The slider includes an abutting portion and an arm portion. The abutting portion restricts movement of the flat conductor. The arm portion is lockable to the housing when the slider is at the advance position. The detection member attached to the slider moves around a detection position, and includes a restriction portion. The detection member at the detection position makes the restriction portion abuttable with the arm portion The detection member absent from the detection position prohibits the restriction portion from abutting the arm portion.