Lever Connector Frame With Separated Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waterproof connectors face performance deterioration due to deformation of the outer frame when a lever is operated, which can create gaps and compromise the sealing effectiveness between the inner surfaces of the concave accommodation portions and the collective rubber stopper.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a frame with independent tubular accommodation parts and separated spaces between the outer and inner walls, allowing the outer wall to deform without affecting the inner sealing surfaces, and includes a tubular protection part to prevent damage to the collective rubber stopper and prevent incorrect coupling through specific design features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the outer wall of the frame is made rigid to maintain structural integrity, then the strength and stability of the frame are improved, but the deformation resistance under lever operation force is worsened, causing gaps to form between the inner surfaces and the collective rubber stopper
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into an outer wall and an inner wall that are separated by a predetermined space, creating independent structural segments. The inner wall specifically supports the collective rubber stopper, while the outer wall provides overall structural strength. This segmentation allows the outer wall to deform without affecting the inner wall's sealing function.
Solution Approach 2:
A buffer member is introduced as an intermediary element between the outer wall and the inner wall. This buffer member absorbs deformation forces from the outer wall, preventing them from reaching the inner wall and compromising the waterproof seal. The buffer member acts as a mediator that protects the critical sealing interface.
2Ease of manufacture
If the frame structure is simplified to reduce manufacturing complexity, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to isolate deformation from sealing surfaces is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into an outer wall and an inner wall that are separated by a predetermined space, creating independent structural segments. The inner wall specifically supports the collective rubber stopper, while the outer wall provides overall structural strength. This segmentation allows the outer wall to deform without affecting the inner wall's sealing function.
3Reliability
If the lever operation force is increased to ensure secure connection, then the connection reliability is improved, but the deformation force on the outer wall is worsened, increasing the risk of frame deformation
Solution Approach 1:
A buffer member is introduced as an intermediary element between the outer wall and the inner wall. This buffer member absorbs deformation forces from the outer wall, preventing them from reaching the inner wall and compromising the waterproof seal. The buffer member acts as a mediator that protects the critical sealing interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A first housing (10) has a frame (11) with concave accommodation portions (20). A sub-connector (31) with female terminal fittings (33) is accommodated in the concave accommodation portions (20). A collective rubber stopper (36) is accommodated inside the concave accommodation portions (20) to seal a gap between a peripheral surface of an electric wire (34) pulled out of the sub-connector (31) and an inner peripheral surface of each concave accommodation portion (20). A first cam follower (19) is formed on an outer surface of the frame (11) and can engage an operation member (80). The frame (11) has an outer wall (12) defining an outer surface thereof where the first cam follower (19) is formed and an inner wall (18) separated from the outer wall part (12) via separated spaces (17) and constructing the inner peripheral surface of each concave accommodation portions (20).