Protected Connector Guide Structure for Clean, Smooth Fitting

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing connector guide mechanisms are prone to scratches and foreign matter adhesion on the protrusion portions, which can hinder fitting and allow foreign matter to enter the socket.

Innovation Solution

A connector fitting structure with a guide protrusion portion that is protected by a guide protection portion, which can be displaced between a covered and exposed position, preventing scratches and foreign matter adhesion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the protrusion portion is constantly exposed to guide fitting, then the fitting alignment is maintained, but the protrusion portion is prone to scratches and foreign matter adhesion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefitting alignmentVSAvoidscratches and foreign matter adhesion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The guide protection portion is provided in advance to cover the protrusion portion before fitting occurs. This preliminary protective action prevents scratches and foreign matter adhesion on the protrusion portion while maintaining the fitting alignment function when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The guide protection portion acts as an intermediary element between the protrusion portion and the external environment. It mediates by providing protection during storage and transport, while allowing the protrusion portion to perform its guiding function during fitting operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the protrusion portion is covered to protect it, then scratches and foreign matter adhesion are prevented, but the fitting guide function is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescratches and foreign matter adhesionVSAvoidfitting guide function

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The guide protection portion is designed to be movable rather than fixed. It can be displaced between a covered position (for protection) and an exposed position (for guiding function). This dynamic characteristic allows the system to adapt between protection mode and operation mode, resolving the contradiction between protection and functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the guide protection portion is made movable to allow exposure, then the fitting guide function is enabled, but the protection effect is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefitting guide functionVSAvoidscratches and foreign matter adhesion

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20240339784A1Connector fitting structure

Publication Date: 2024.10.10 YAZAKI CORP

AI summary

A connector fitting structure of a first connector and a second connector that are to be fitted and electrically connected to each other is provided. The first connector includes: a first housing that accommodates a first connection terminal; and a guide groove that is provided in the first housing. The second connector includes: a second housing that accommodates a second connection terminal; a guide protrusion portion that is provided at the second housing and is inserted into the guide groove; and a guide protection portion configured to be displaced between a covered position where the guide protection portion covers the guide protrusion portion and an exposed position where the guide protection portion does not cover the guide protrusion portion.