Identical Mating Members Waterproof Connector Rear Holder
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing waterproof connectors require two different types of holder bodies with locking projections and recesses, increasing manufacturing costs due to the number of components and dies needed.
Innovation Solution
A waterproof connector design using a pair of mating members with the same shape, featuring engaging recesses and projections that symmetrically engage to maintain contact and prevent disengagement, reducing the number of components and dies required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two different types of holder bodies with locking projections and recesses are used to compose the rear holder, then the locking engagement between holder bodies is achieved, but the number of components and dies increases leading to higher manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing the locking projection and locking recess as complementary asymmetric features on different holder bodies. The locking projection has a specific shape that fits into the corresponding locking recess, creating a secure asymmetric engagement that prevents disassembly while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through standardized holder body designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the locking function into the holder body structure itself by integrating locking projections and recesses as built-in features rather than separate components. This combining approach reduces the total number of parts while maintaining reliable locking engagement between holder bodies.
2Stability of the object's composition
If two different types of holder bodies are used to ensure proper locking engagement, then the coupled state is maintained, but the device complexity increases due to multiple component types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetric locking projections and recesses that provide stable coupled state through complementary fitting. The asymmetric geometry ensures proper orientation and secure engagement while the standardized holder body forms keep the overall device complexity manageable through repetition of proven designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder body design incorporates universal features that serve multiple functions: structural support, positioning, and locking engagement. By making the holder bodies multi-functional with integrated locking features, the patent reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining stable coupling.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A rear holder (11) includes a paired mating members (17, 17) in an identical shape to be coupled with each other with contact surfaces (13, 13) of the mating members (17, 17) being in contact with each other and with the electric wires (3, 3) being interposed in between the mating members (17, 17). The mating members (17, 17) forms wire housing portions (15, 15) for housing the corresponding electric wires (3, 3) with the contact surfaces (15, 15) being in contact with each other. The mating members (17, 17) include engaging portions (19, 19) configured to symmetrically engage with each other with the contact surfaces (15, 15) being in contact with each other to keep an coupled state of the mating members (17, 17).