Miniaturization connector assembly using nested engagement pieces
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connectors have large external form dimensions due to the width requirements for engagement pieces and locking portions, which hinders miniaturization.
Innovation Solution
The engagement pieces and locking portions are strategically placed between adjacent terminal accommodation portions, allowing for engagement in the space between them, reducing the necessary width dimensions of the inner housing and improving bond strength and assembly characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If engagement pieces and locking portions are installed on both outer portions of housing division bodies, then reliable engagement and union of housing division bodies is achieved, but the width dimensions of the inner housing increase, resulting in larger external form dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement pieces are repositioned from the outer portions of the housing division bodies to the space between adjacent terminal accommodation portions. This spatial reconfiguration utilizes the available internal space in a different dimension, allowing engagement functionality to be maintained without increasing the external width dimensions of the inner housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement pieces are nested within the space between adjacent terminal accommodation portions rather than being mounted on the outer surfaces. This nesting approach allows the engagement mechanism to be embedded within the existing structural envelope, preventing any increase in external dimensions while maintaining engagement reliability.
2Strength
If engagement pieces and locking portions are installed on both outer portions of housing division bodies, then secure connection of housing division bodies is achieved, but the connector becomes large-sized, hindering miniaturization
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement pieces are strategically positioned in the spaces between adjacent terminal accommodation portions, utilizing local void spaces within the housing structure. This localized placement ensures that the engagement function is concentrated in specific areas where space is already available, rather than uniformly distributing engagement components across the entire housing perimeter, thereby avoiding volume increase.
3Ease of operation
If engagement pieces are positioned to engage with locking portions on outer portions, then adequate engagement space is provided, but the width dimensions necessary for engagement increase the external form dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement mechanism is segmented into multiple discrete engagement pieces that are distributed among the spaces between adjacent terminal accommodation portions. This segmentation allows the total engagement function to be distributed across multiple small spaces rather than requiring a single large engagement area, thereby maintaining ease of operation while minimizing the overall width dimension.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector is provided, which can seek miniaturization by suppressing external form dimensions of an inner housing. The connector includes, as means for engaging and uniting housing division bodies 20 and 30 that constitute the inner housing 10, engagement pieces 22 equipped on one side of the housing division bodies and inserted between adjacent terminal accommodation portions 13 in the other side of the housing division bodies, and locking portions equipped between the terminal accommodation portions 13 in the other side of the housing division bodies and engaged with the inserted engagement pieces to make the housing division bodies 20 and 30 in a connection state.