Hinged Connector Cover for Secure Wire Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connector configurations require a pair of separate connector covers, increasing the number of components and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A connector design that incorporates a movable cover member with a wire pressing portion, which presses the electric wire toward a base portion, reducing the number of components and ensuring secure wire holding without the need for additional covers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pair of separate connector covers is used to cover the wires, then the wires are securely held, but the number of components increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple separate connector covers into a single integrated cover member. This cover member includes a first cover portion and a second cover portion that are connected through a hinge, allowing them to move independently while being part of a single component. This reduces the total number of components while maintaining the wire-holding security that would otherwise require two separate covers.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover member incorporates a hinge mechanism that allows the first and second cover portions to move dynamically between open and closed positions. This dynamic structure enables the cover to adapt to different operational states (open for wire insertion, closed for secure holding) while still being a single component, thus reducing component count while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If a pair of separate connector covers is used to cover the wires, then the wires are securely held, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple cover portions into a single integrated cover member with a hinge, the patent reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured, stored, and assembled. This consolidation typically reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining the secure wire-holding function through the coordinated movement of the cover portions.
3Device complexity
If the cover member is fixed, then the structure is simple, but the wire cannot be properly pressed and held
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable cover member connected by a hinge, allowing the cover portions to move from an open position during assembly to a closed position for wire holding. This dynamic capability enables proper wire pressing and securing while maintaining relatively simple structural elements that can be manufactured and assembled efficiently.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a terminal connected to a front end portion of an electric wire and a housing in which the terminal is arranged. The housing includes a base portion and cover members. The electric wire extending rearward from a portion of the housing that has the terminal therein is disposed on the base portion. The cover members that are movable between a position in which the cover members cover the base portion and a position in which the cover members are away from the base portion. The cover members include a wire pressing portion that presses the electric wire disposed on the base portion toward the base portion when the cover members are in the position in which the cover members cover the base portion.