Front Retainer Connector Structure for Half-Insertion Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors face issues in accurately detecting the half-inserted state of terminal metal fittings and maintaining shape stability of the front retainer during assembly due to uneven elastic deformation and increased resistance.
Innovation Solution
The connector design includes a front retainer with a peripheral wall portion that allows elastic displacement in the inward-outward direction, featuring inner and outer contact portions arranged to prevent excessive contact and reduce resistance, ensuring balanced deformation and accurate detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the projection strongly contacts the female housing, then the detection function is enhanced, but the resistance to movement increases and causes false detection
Solution Approach 1:
The contact portions are designed with specific local properties: the outer contact portion contacts the hood portion while the inner contact portion contacts the housing, creating differentiated contact zones. The displacement allowance portion is strategically positioned to allow localized elastic deformation only where needed, maintaining detection accuracy while reducing overall movement resistance.
2Measurement precision
If the outer wall portion elastically deforms into the deflection space, then the detection function is activated, but the shape stability is compromised due to distorted deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The peripheral wall portion is segmented into distinct functional zones: the displacement allowance portion that enables elastic deformation for detection, and the contact portions that maintain structural stability. This segmentation allows the structure to deform locally without compromising overall shape stability or causing distorted deformation.
3Device complexity
If the projection is arranged independent of the deflection space, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the elastic deformation becomes unbalanced and distorted
Solution Approach 1:
The contact portions are arranged in both circumferential and axial dimensions relative to the displacement allowance portion. The outer contact portion contacts in the circumferential direction while the inner contact portion contacts in the axial direction, creating a multi-dimensional contact pattern that ensures balanced elastic deformation without increasing structural 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 design enhances the reliability of detecting the half-inserted state and maintains shape stability of the front retainer, reducing accidental stops during assembly.
Implementation Method 1
the peripheral wall portion has a displacement allowance portion that allows elastic displacement of the peripheral wall portion in an inward-outward direction
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a female terminal metal fitting, a first housing, and a front retainer. The front retainer has a front wall portion arranged on a front side of the housing body and a peripheral wall portion that extends rearward from the front wall portion and surrounds an outer peripheral surface of the housing body. An outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion is surrounded by a hood portion. The peripheral wall portion has an outer contact portion that contacts an inner peripheral surface of the hood portion, and an inner contact portion that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the housing body. The front retainer has a displacement allowance portion that allows displacement of the peripheral wall portion in an inward-outward direction.