Interlock Connector Cover for Safe Fastener Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors require manual confirmation of electrical disconnection states, which complicates assembly and poses a risk of electric shock during fastening or unfastening operations.
Innovation Solution
A connector design that includes a cover with integrated interlock terminals and a mechanism for ensuring electrical disconnection before and after fastening, preventing conduction states when the cover is not assembled, thus enhancing assemblability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cover is removed from the housing before confirming electrical disconnection, then the fastening member can be accessed for fastening or unfastening, but electric shock may occur if the interlock terminal and connecting portion remain electrically connected
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed to automatically establish electrical disconnection through the interlock terminal and connecting portion before the fastening member becomes accessible. This preliminary action ensures that the electrical connection is broken prior to any operation on the fastening member, eliminating the need for manual confirmation and preventing electric shock risk
Solution Approach 2:
The interlock terminal and connecting portion act as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the cover removal action and the fastening member access. This intermediary automatically establishes electrical disconnection as a intermediate step, ensuring safety before the fastening member becomes accessible
2Reliability
If manual confirmation of electrical disconnection is required, then electric shock risk can be prevented, but assemblability deteriorates due to additional confirmation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly performs self-verification of electrical disconnection through the automatic engagement of the interlock terminal and connecting portion. The structure itself confirms the disconnection state through its mechanical design, eliminating the need for separate manual confirmation steps and maintaining both safety and assembly efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical engagement between the interlock terminal and connecting portion provides immediate feedback on the electrical disconnection state. The physical interaction confirms disconnection through the assembly process itself, providing real-time verification without requiring additional manual checks
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A connector (1) includes: a housing (3); a first conductive member (5) housed in the housing (3); a second conductive member (7) that is housed in the housing (3) and is electrically connected to the first conductive member (5) by fastening a fastening member (9); a cover (11) that is assembled so as to close an opening (27) of the housing (3) where the fastening member (9) is exposed; and an interlock terminal (13) that is housed in the housing (3) and is connectable and is disconnectable a conduction state between the first conductive member (5) and the second conductive member (7). In the connector (1), the cover (11) includes a connecting portion (89) that is electrically connected to the interlock terminal (13) and causes the first conductive member (5) and the second conductive member (7) to be in a conduction state, when the cover (11) is assembled to the housing (3).