Lead Wire Guide Locking Structure for Reversible Connector Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lead wire guide members are designed to guide wires either downward or upward, requiring separate components for each direction, which is inefficient and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A lead wire guide member that can be mounted in both directions by incorporating a rear extension portion with orthogonal insertion/extraction locking mechanisms, allowing the same guide member to be used for both downward and upward routing of lead wires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lead wire guide member is designed to guide lead wires in a specific direction (downward or upward), then the guiding function is reliable, but separate guide members are required for different directions, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The lead wire guide member is designed with a symmetric structure that allows it to perform the same guiding function in both upward and downward directions. The member can be mounted in either orientation on the connector main body, eliminating the need for separate guide members for different directions and reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable lead wire guidance
Solution Approach 2:
The locking portion is designed with asymmetric features including a groove and a protrusion that engage with each other. This asymmetric design allows the guide member to be securely locked when mounted in either upward or downward orientation, enabling the universal functionality while ensuring reliable locking in both mounting directions
2Reliability
If different lead wire guide members are prepared for downward and upward routing, then the lead wire routing is reliable, but the quantity of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single lead wire guide member is designed to replace what would traditionally require two separate members (one for upward routing and one for downward routing). The member's symmetric structure and dual-orientation locking mechanism enable it to reliably guide lead wires in either direction, reducing the component quantity while maintaining routing reliability
3Ease of operation
If a lead wire guide member is detachably attached to guide lead wires, then the ease of operation is improved, but the locking reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The lead wire guide member features a dynamic locking mechanism with a groove and protrusion that allows easy attachment and detachment while ensuring reliable locking when engaged. The locking portion can be easily opened for attachment/removal operations but provides secure engagement when locked, balancing ease of operation with locking reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct components: a locking portion on the guide member with a groove, and a corresponding protrusion on the connector main body. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component for both easy engagement and secure locking, achieving both ease of operation and reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A connector main body is provided with a rear extension portion extending rearward from a rear part thereof and having an at least partly tubular shape so as to surround the lead wire, and the lead wire guide member is provided with a mouth in a front part thereof to receive the rear extension portion from above or below in a direction orthogonal to an insertion/extraction direction. An insertion/extraction direction locking portion and insertion/extraction direction locked portion are provided on the lead wire guide member and the rear extension portion, respectively, to engage the lead wire guide member and the rear extension portion with each other when the rear extension portion is received in the front part of the lead wire guide member.