Outer Conductor Locking Structure to Prevent Partial Connector Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connectors can become locked in a partially-inserted state, leading to potential connection issues with other members.

Innovation Solution

A connector design featuring a housing, an inner conductor, and an outer conductor with specific lock portions and configurations that prevent locking in a partially-inserted state, ensuring proper alignment and retention of the outer conductor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conductors are designed to be easily connected, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of locking in a partially-inserted state increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of connectionVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lock portion is designed to engage only after the conductor has been inserted to the correct depth. The locking mechanism is positioned such that it can only lock when the conductor reaches its proper position, preventing premature locking during the insertion process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A housing structure serves as an intermediary between the conductors, providing a controlled environment for the connection. The housing includes a fitting hole that guides the insertion process and ensures that locking only occurs when both conductors are properly positioned within the housing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a locking mechanism is added to prevent partial insertion, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is merged with the conductor structure itself rather than being a separate component. The lock portion is integrated into the conductor design, eliminating the need for additional locking devices and reducing overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lock portion serves multiple functions: it prevents the conductor from being pulled out, indicates proper insertion depth, and ensures correct alignment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12294182B2Connector

Publication Date: 2025.05.06 SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS LTD

AI summary

A connector includes a housing and an outer conductor. The outer conductor includes a first outer conductor and a second outer conductor. The housing includes a fitting hole into which the second outer conductor is fitted. The first outer conductor includes a first lock portion. In the state where the first outer conductor is located at a normal insertion position, the first lock portion is arranged so as to face the back side in the fitting direction of the second outer conductor in the fitting hole. The second outer conductor includes a second lock portion that is locked to the first lock portion in the state where the first outer conductor is located at the normal insertion position. In the state where the second lock portion is locked to the first lock portion, the second outer conductor is retained in the fitting hole.