Rotatable Shutter Connector With Side-Actuated Rotation Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shutter-mechanism-equipped connectors require increased force for fitting due to rotation resistance and necessitate longer connector sizes to accommodate shutter opening trajectories, leading to higher insertion resistance and bulkier designs.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a rotatable shutter mechanism with a rotation arm and connection member, where the mating connector's side surface presses the arm to rotate the shutter, reducing the fitting force and eliminating the need for lengthened connector sizes by using a connection member with a first lever portion and an auxiliary engagement portion to facilitate shutter opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the shutter is rotated outward by a pressing force in the connector fitting direction, then the terminal is opened and exposed for coupling, but rotation resistance is applied in addition to insertion resistance, increasing the force required for fitting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the shutter actuation direction from the connector fitting direction (longitudinal dimension) to a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction (transverse dimension). The side surface of the mating connector presses the arm portion to rotate the shutter, separating the shutter opening action from the insertion motion, thereby eliminating rotation resistance from the fitting force requirement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a rotation arm as an intermediary mechanism between the mating connector and the shutter. The rotation arm includes an arm portion and a connection engagement portion that translates the pressing force from the side surface into rotational motion of the shutter, acting as a mechanical mediator that decouples the shutter actuation from the direct fitting path
2Ease of operation
If the fitting hood portion is lengthened to accommodate the shutter opening trajectory, then the shutter can open and close properly, but the connector size is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the shutter opening trajectory from the longitudinal dimension (along the fitting direction) to the transverse dimension (perpendicular to the fitting direction). By rotating the shutter about an axis perpendicular to the fitting direction and actuating it from the side surface, the connector maintains a compact length while still providing adequate space for shutter motion in the lateral direction
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 design reduces the fitting force and maintains a compact connector size by minimizing rotation resistance and eliminating the need for extended connector lengths, allowing for easier and more efficient terminal coupling.
Implementation Method 1
a rotation arm that is disposed on one side portion side of the front opening and is rotatably supported to the housing about a rotation axis intersecting a connector fitting direction of the mating connector
Implementation Method 2
pressing force of the mating connector acts on the arm portion so as to rotate the rotation arm
Implementation Method 3
a connection member that is provided so as to be rotatable together with the shutter and includes a first lever portion that is pressed and rotated by a tip end of the connection engagement portion
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a housing configured to accommodate a connection terminal, a shutter that is rotatably provided in the housing and is configured to open and close a front opening of the housing, a rotation arm that is rotatably supported to the housing about a rotation axis and has an arm portion and a connection engagement portion, and a connection member that is provided so as to be rotatable together with the shutter and includes a first lever portion that is pressed and rotated by a tip end of the connection engagement portion. A pressing force of the mating connector acts on the arm portion so as to rotate the rotation arm, and thus the shutter is rotated together with the connection member rotated by the connection engagement portion so as to open the front opening.