Retainer Locking Structure for Twist-Resistant Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors face issues where a slight twisting force can cause the retainer to separate from the housing due to bending of the retaining wall, resulting in potential disengagement.
Innovation Solution
The connector design includes a retainer with upper and lower walls linked by a base end, featuring first and second protrusions and a separation preventing portion. The first locking portion moves over the first protrusion, and the second protrusion has a key recess fitted by a key protrusion to prevent upward bending, ensuring the retainer remains attached.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the retainer is designed with a simple locking mechanism allowing movement between temporary and full locking positions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because the separation restricting surface and rear locking surface can generate component forces that bend the retaining wall under twisting loads
Solution Approach 1:
The key protrusion and key recess are designed to engage beforehand and prevent the upper wall from bending upward before any harmful separation can occur. This preliminary anti-action counteracts the component forces generated by the separation restricting surface and rear locking surface, eliminating the reliability issue while preserving the simple locking mechanism's ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The key protrusion and key recess act as intermediary elements between the retainer and housing. This intermediary mechanism prevents direct harmful interaction between the separation restricting surface and rear locking surface, thereby preventing retaining wall bending while maintaining the original locking functionality
2Ease of operation
If the upper wall is allowed to bend upward for locking portion movement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability deteriorates because the retaining wall may bend under applied forces
Solution Approach 1:
The key protrusion and key recess engagement prevents the upper wall from bending upward beyond the intended locking movement. This preliminary anti-action stabilizes the retaining wall composition by counteracting bending forces before they can cause separation, while still allowing the necessary upward movement for locking portion transition
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration effectively prevents the retainer from separating from the housing, maintaining its locked position even under applied forces, enhancing stability and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the first locking portion is capable of moving over the first protrusion due to the upper wall bending upward when the retainer moves between the temporary locking position and the full locking position
Implementation Method 2
the second protrusion has a key recess that is recessed in the attachment rearward direction, and the separation preventing portion has a key protrusion that fits into the key recess at the temporary locking position to prevent the upper wall from bending upward
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a retainer attached in an attachment direction intersecting an insertion direction of a terminal. The housing has a first protrusion and a second protrusion, an upper wall of the retainer has a first locking portion positioned in an attachment rearward direction relative to the first protrusion at the temporary locking position and positioned between the first protrusion and the second protrusion at the full locking position, and a separation preventing portion positioned in an attachment forward direction relative to the second protrusion at the temporary locking position and at the full locking position. The first locking portion is capable of moving over the first protrusion, the second protrusion has a key recess that is recessed in the attachment rearward direction, and the separation preventing portion has a key protrusion that fits into the key recess at the temporary locking position.