Internal Locking Power Connector for Size-Constrained Finger Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power connectors with finger protection functions tend to increase in size due to external locking mechanisms, which is undesirable for size reduction requests in connector devices.
Innovation Solution
A power connector design that incorporates a locking function within the housing's insertion space, allowing the locking mechanism to be internal rather than external, along with regulatory protruding portions and compartmentalized insertion spaces to enhance finger protection without increasing the connector's size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lock protruding portion is provided on the outside of the outer housing to lock the lock arm, then the locking function is achieved, but the size of the connector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking portion is merged with the insertion space structure, combining the locking function with the existing housing geometry. The locking portion is formed as an integral part of the insertion space, eliminating the need for separate external locking protrusions and thereby reducing connector size while maintaining locking reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking portion is nested within the insertion space, placing the locking mechanism inside the existing housing structure rather than adding it externally. This nested arrangement allows the locking function to be achieved without increasing the overall connector dimensions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the regulatory protruding portion is positioned to prevent finger insertion, then finger protection is improved, but the insertion space for the counterpart housing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The regulatory protruding portion is strategically positioned at specific locations within the insertion space where finger insertion is most likely to occur. This localized protection approach provides effective finger safety while minimizing the impact on the overall insertion space volume, as the protrusions are placed only where needed rather than uniformly throughout.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a power connector comprising: a housing; a power supply terminal; a regulatory protruding portion; and a locking portion, wherein the housing includes, therein, an insertion space configured in such a manner that at least part of a counterpart housing of a counterpart connector is inserted thereinto, the insertion space communicates with an insertion port, the power supply terminal includes an exposed portion provided in a state of being exposed from the housing toward the insertion space, and a contact portion being at least part of the power supply terminal, the contact portion being configured to come into contact with a counterpart-side power supply terminal provided to the counterpart housing upon at least part of the counterpart housing being inserted through the insertion port, the regulatory protruding portion is placed on a side closer to the insertion port than to the exposed portion in a direction of the insertion of at least part of the counterpart housing, in the insertion space, the regulatory protruding portion protruding from the housing toward the insertion space, and the locking portion is provided in the insertion space, and is configured to lock a locking portion provided to the counterpart housing upon at least part of the counterpart housing being inserted. The contact portion may have a flat plate shape.