Joint Connector Lock Arm Impact Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing joint connectors are prone to damage when dropped with the rear end facing downward, as the impact directly affects the cantilevered lock arm, leading to an abnormal assembled state.

Innovation Solution

The joint connector features convex portions on the terminal holder's rear end surface, which absorb the impact upon dropping, redirecting the force to the connector housing and reducing the load on the lock arm, thereby protecting it without additional components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the lock arm is configured as a cantilevered structure to enable locking function, then the locking capability is improved, but the vulnerability to impact damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking capabilityVSAvoidimpact damage vulnerability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing a recessed portion in the connector housing that positions the lock arm away from the rear end surface. This creates a buffer zone that absorbs impact forces before they reach the lock arm, preventing damage while maintaining the cantilevered locking structure's functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The recessed portion acts as an intermediary structure between the impact source (rear end surface) and the lock arm. It mediates the impact force by providing a geometric buffer zone, preventing direct transmission of harmful forces to the lock arm while allowing the lock arm to maintain its locking function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If additional protective components are added to protect the lock arm from impact, then the damage resistance is improved, but the device complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedamage resistanceVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the protective function with the existing connector housing structure by forming a recessed portion directly in the housing. This integrates the impact protection function into the existing component rather than adding a separate protective element, maintaining simplicity while achieving damage resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, maintains electrical insulation, and now also provides impact protection through the recessed portion. By making the housing multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate protective components while achieving enhanced damage resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11245219B2Joint connector

Publication Date: 2022.02.08 YAZAKI CORP

AI summary

A joint connector, including: a connector housing; a joint terminal; a terminal holder; and a lock arm that is formed in an outer peripheral wall of the connector housing, in which a rear end portion of the terminal holder is provided with convex portions that protrude rearward from a rearmost end edge of the connector housing in a proper assembled state of the terminal holder with respect to the connector housing.