Foldable Connector Rear Cover for Crimping Flexibility and Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector rear covers impede automated crimping and are difficult to remove once terminals are crimped, limiting flexibility and sealing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A foldable connector rear cover with recesses forming openings for electrical conductors, allowing easy installation and improved cable routing and sealing, featuring a hinge mechanism and locking mechanism for secure attachment to a connector housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the connector rear cover is designed with fixed openings for electrical conductors, then sealing against environmental conditions is improved, but flexibility during crimping process and ease of removal are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The connector rear cover transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic foldable structure. The lateral portions can be folded back along the longitudinal axis, allowing the cover to adapt its configuration during the crimping process and subsequently be removed easily, while maintaining sealing capability when closed
2Reliability
If the openings are dimensioned to minimize gap for sealing, then sealing capability is improved, but the crimped terminals cannot fit through the openings, requiring installation before crimping, which reduces flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The cover's lateral portions are made foldable along the longitudinal axis, enabling them to open wide enough to accommodate crimped terminals during assembly, then close to provide sealing. This dynamic configuration allows crimping to occur after cover installation while maintaining sealing integrity
3Strength
If the connector rear cover is fixed to the connector housing, then secure attachment is improved, but ease of removal post-installation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The connector rear cover is segmented into a middle portion and foldable lateral portions connected by hinges. This segmentation allows the cover to be securely attached when closed while enabling easy removal by folding open the lateral portions, providing both secure attachment and ease of repair
Data Source
AI summary
A connector rear cover includes a middle portion having a first edge and a second edge, a first lateral portion having a first lateral edge, and a second lateral portion having a second lateral edge. The first lateral portion is connected to the middle portion by a first hinge and the second lateral portion is connected to the middle portion by a second hinge so that the connector rear cover is foldable between an open and a closed state. The first edge of the middle portion faces the first lateral edge of the first lateral portion and the second edge of the middle portion faces the second lateral edge of the second lateral portion. The edges have recesses such that, in the closed state, there are openings between the middle portion and the first lateral portion and between the middle portion and the second lateral portion that receive electric conductors.