Rotary Connector Fixing Structure Prevents Looseness
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary connectors for vehicles experience looseness and unexpected lifting, leading to abnormal sounds and inconveniences, particularly when used in air bag systems, due to the need for clearance in locking mechanisms and the use of additional displacement absorbing members which increase size and cost.
Innovation Solution
A rotary connector design featuring a projecting piece with a laterally protruding locking claw and a flexible urging portion that bends to secure the locking claw in place, utilizing an obliquely angled contact surface to maintain positional relationship and prevent looseness and lifting, without the need for additional displacement absorbing members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a locking claw structure with clearance is used to allow elastic deformation of the projecting piece, then the locking mechanism can function properly, but looseness occurs in the insertion direction leading to abnormal sounds
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a one-dimensional clearance-based locking mechanism to a two-dimensional solution by adding an oblique contact surface. This contact surface provides lateral support in addition to the longitudinal locking action, preventing abnormal sounds while maintaining the elastic deformation capability of the projecting piece.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a displacement absorbing member or cushioning material is added to prevent loosening and lifting of the rotary connector, then unexpected lifting is prevented, but the size increases and additional materials are required leading to higher cost and potential deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the lifting prevention function into the existing locking claw structure by adding the oblique contact surface. This integrates multiple functions (locking and lifting prevention) into a single component, eliminating the need for separate displacement absorbing members or cushioning materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking claw structure serves itself by providing both locking and lifting prevention functions through its integrated design. The oblique contact surface automatically prevents lifting through its geometric configuration, eliminating the need for external cushioning materials that may deteriorate.
3Ease of operation
If clearance is provided between the locking claw and locked portion to allow elastic return, then the projecting piece can return to its original shape, but looseness occurs allowing the rotary connector to be pushed up by the harness
Solution Approach 1:
The invention adds a lateral support dimension through the oblique contact surface, creating a two-dimensional constraint system. This prevents the rotary connector from being pushed up in the longitudinal direction while preserving the necessary clearance for elastic deformation.
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
The solution effectively prevents looseness and unexpected lifting of the rotary connector, ensuring reliable electrical connection and reducing manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for extra components, while maintaining a compact design and preventing material deterioration.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible urging portion which is integrally formed on the locking claw and displaces and urges the locking claw in a locking direction
Data Source
AI summary
Looseness of a rotary connector and lifting of the rotary connector which occurs depending on a harness wiring state are prevented, to reduce inconvenience such as generation of an abnormal sound due to the rotary connector contacting a steering wheel.In a fixing structure of a rotary connector, which includes a projecting piece 15 to fix the rotary connector to a combination switch and a locked portion 22a to be locked by the projecting piece 15 and in which a laterally protruding locking claw 31 is formed in a tip portion of the projecting piece 15, the locking claw 31 of the projecting piece 15 is integrally provided with a flexible urging portion 15a that displaces and urges the locking claw 31 in a locking direction. A contact surface 32 is formed on the locking claw 31, the contact surface 32 obliquely coming into contact with a locking side corner 23 of the locked portion 22a from the opposing side.