Front Retainer Connector Locking to Prevent Unintended Mating
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing connectors, the moving direction of the front retainer from the partial locking position to the full locking position coincides with the connecting direction, which can allow unintended connection between the connector and a mating connector even when the front retainer is held at the partial locking position.
Innovation Solution
A connector design where the female connector includes a front retainer movable between partial and full locking positions, allowing resilient deformation of a locking lance at the partial locking position for insertion, and suppressing deformation at the full locking position to secure the terminal. The design incorporates a stopper portion and a contact portion with a stopper releasing portion to control the connection by engaging and deforming the stopper portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the moving direction of the front retainer coincides with the connecting direction, then the terminal fitting can be inserted and withdrawn easily, but unintended connection may occur when the front retainer is held at the partial locking position
Solution Approach 1:
A stopper portion is introduced as an intermediary element between the contact portion and the housing. This stopper portion physically blocks the contact portion when the front retainer is at the partial locking position, preventing unintended connection. The stopper portion acts as a mediator that controls the interaction between the connector components based on the front retainer's position.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper portion is designed to be resiliently deformable, allowing it to dynamically change its position. When the front retainer moves to the full locking position, the stopper releasing portion engages with the stopper portion, causing it to deform and move away from the contact portion, thereby allowing connection. This dynamic behavior enables the system to adapt its blocking function based on the operational state.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the stopper portion is made resiliently deformable, then connection can be allowed when front retainer is at full locking position, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper portion is constructed as a flexible, resiliently deformable element rather than a rigid structure. This flexibility allows the stopper portion to be pushed by the stopper releasing portion when needed, enabling connection at the full locking position while maintaining simplicity in the overall design. The resilient nature of the stopper portion eliminates the need for complex mechanical release mechanisms.
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 effectively suppresses the connection of the male and female connectors when the front retainer is held at the partial locking position, while allowing connection when at the full locking position, enhancing control over the connector's operational state.
Implementation Method 1
the female housing including a stopper portion resiliently deformable in a direction intersecting the connecting direction
Implementation Method 2
the front retainer allowing resilient deformation of a locking lance provided in the female terminal accommodating portion at the partial locking position, whereby the female terminal is insertable into the female terminal accommodating portion
Data Source
AI summary
A female connector 20 includes a female housing 21 and a front retainer 50 movable with respect to the male housing in a connecting direction between a partial locking position for allowing resilient deformation of a locking lances 35 of the female housing 21 and a full locking position for suppressing the resilient deformation of the locking lance 35. The female housing 21 includes a stopper portion 42 resiliently deformable in a direction extending in the connecting direction. A male connector 60 includes a contact portion 69 extending in the connecting direction. The front retainer 50 includes a stopper releasing portion 55.