Relay Connector Fitting Structure with Integrated Stoppers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing relay connector fitting structures for electronic appliances, such as image forming apparatuses, require additional components like screws and hooks for secure attachment, leading to increased complexity and component count, and lack efficient mechanisms for cable management.

Innovation Solution

A relay connector fitting structure with integrally formed stoppers on the chassis that restrict movement in various directions, allowing for secure fitting and cable management without extra components, using first, second, and opposite surface stoppers to guide and secure the relay connectors, and recesses for connector fitting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If screws and hooks are used to secure the relay connector to the chassis, then the connector is firmly fixed, but the device complexity and component count increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirm fixation of connectorVSAvoidcomponent count

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stoppers are integrally formed with the chassis as a single piece structure, eliminating the need for separate fastening components like screws and hooks. The chassis and stoppers function as one unified component that provides both structural support and positioning functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The relay connector is designed to be self-retaining through engagement with the integrally formed stoppers on the chassis. The connector's own structure interacts with the stoppers to achieve secure positioning without requiring additional fastening elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If multiple separate components are used for connector fitting, then secure attachment is achieved, but the ease of assembly and disassembly is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidease of assembly and disassembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the stoppers into the chassis as a single piece, the assembly process is simplified to a single insertion motion where the relay connector engages with the integrated stoppers simultaneously, eliminating multiple assembly steps required by separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If traditional fitting structures are used, then connectors are secured, but cable management becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector securityVSAvoidcable management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The integrally formed stoppers serve dual functions: they provide mechanical retention for the relay connector and simultaneously guide and organize the cable routing. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate cable management components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10185278B2Relay connector fitting structure, electronic appliance, and image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2019.01.22 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

An relay connector fitting structure has a connector, a relay connector, and a chassis. The relay connector is removably fitted with the connector. The chassis has a fitting surface. The chassis has, formed integrally with it, a first stopper restricting movement of the relay connector in a first direction, a second stopper restricting movement of the relay connector in a second direction, and an opposite surface stopper restricting movement of the relay connector to the side opposite from the fitting surface.