Movable Male Terminal Connector for Compact Protected Mating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connectors with a small number of terminals face challenges in size reduction due to difficulties in molding a small moving plate and ensuring smooth movement within the receptacle.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a guide, a cavity behind the guide, and a holding member that moves integrally with a male terminal, allowing the tab to be protected within the cavity and connected to a female terminal without being restricted by the guide's shape and size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a small moving plate is used to match the reduced connector size, then the connector size is reduced, but the moldability and smooth movement of the moving plate deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The moving plate is divided into a plurality of movement plates that can move independently in the receptacle. This segmentation allows each individual plate to be sufficiently large for proper molding and smooth movement, while the overall connector structure remains compact due to the space-efficient arrangement of multiple smaller functional units
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single large moving plate to multiple smaller movement plates arranged in a dimensional configuration within the receptacle. This dimensional reorganization allows the connector to achieve size reduction in one dimension while maintaining adequate plate dimensions in other dimensions for manufacturability and operation
2Volume of moving object
If a small moving plate is used to match the reduced connector size, then the connector size is reduced, but the smooth movement of the moving plate deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the moving plate into multiple smaller movement plates, each plate maintains sufficient size and structural integrity for smooth movement within the receptacle. The segmented design reduces interference and improves movement characteristics compared to a single small plate
Solution Approach 2:
The movement plates are designed to move independently and dynamically within the receptacle, allowing for smoother operation. The independent movement capability of each plate enhances operational ease compared to a constrained single plate system
3Reliability
If a moving plate structure is used for protecting male terminals, then terminal protection function is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and unsuitable for size reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The movement plates serve multiple functions: they protect the male terminals during assembly, guide the insertion process, enable movement between positions, and provide structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective structures, simplifying the overall design while maintaining terminal protection
Solution Approach 2:
The protective function, movement function, and positioning function are merged into a single integrated movement plate structure. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate protective components, reducing structural complexity while maintaining all necessary functions
Data Source
AI summary
It is aimed to provide a connector having a function of protecting a male terminal and capable of coping with size reduction. A connector includes a guide, inside which a female housing is arranged, a cavity located behind the guide and communicating with inside of the guide, a holding member arranged movably in a front-rear direction with respect to the guide, and a male terminal arranged inside the cavity and including a tab projecting forward. The male terminal is provided to move integrally with the holding member.