Lever-Type Connector Two-Dimensional Code Fitting Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector systems face instability in fitting detection due to manufacturing tolerances, molding defects, and rattling issues, leading to unreliable reflected light data for determining proper housing alignment.
Innovation Solution
A lever-type connector with a rotatable lever and adjacent two-dimensional code arrangement surfaces on the connector housing and lever, which form a visible two-dimensional code upon proper fitting, allowing for accurate recording of the connection and preventing positional shifts during fitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If marks composed of linear protrusions and recesses are used for fitting detection, then the connector can detect whether housings are properly fitted, but the detected data becomes unstable due to manufacturing tolerances, molding defects, chipping, and rattling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the physical protrusion marks with a two-dimensional code pattern that can be optically copied and read. The 2D code contains fitting information in a format that is more robust to manufacturing variations and can be reliably detected by optical sensors without being affected by minor surface defects or rattling movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional linear protrusions to a two-dimensional code pattern. This dimensional change allows for more information to be encoded in a compact area and provides better tolerance to manufacturing variations, as the 2D pattern can be recognized even with some distortion or partial occlusion.
2Reliability
If a rotatable lever with code arrangement surfaces is used, then accurate recording of proper fitting is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lever component serves multiple functions: it provides the mechanical action for connector engagement/disengagement, positions the code arrangement surfaces to form the complete 2D code pattern, and potentially provides visual feedback to the operator. By combining these functions into a single component, the overall device complexity is minimized while achieving reliable fitting recording.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the lever mechanism with the code arrangement system. The lever's movement and positioning are integrated with the code display function, so that the act of moving the lever both performs the mechanical operation and simultaneously positions the code elements to indicate fitting status. This integration reduces the need for separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
A lever-type connector 1 includes: a connector housing 10 that has a first code arrangement surface 15S1 and is configured to be fitted with a partner connector 50; a lever 20 configured to be attached so as to be rotatable from a fitting start position to a fitting completion position with respect to the connector housing 10, and having a second code arrangement surface 26S1 configured to be arranged on the same plane as the first code arrangement surface 15S1 when the lever 20 is at the fitting completion position; a first divided code 40A arranged on the first code arrangement surface 15S1; and a second divided code 40B arranged on the second code arrangement surface 26S1. When the lever 20 is at the fitting completion position, the first divided code 40A and the second divided code 40B are adjacent to each other to form a two-dimensional code 40.