Service Plug Cam Groove Stopping Wall Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing service plugs require space for removal, leading to potential component dropping and foreign matter intrusion into the first connector housing, compromising safety and functionality.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a stopping wall at the terminal end of the cam groove to prevent the cam pin from falling, ensuring the second connector housing and lever cannot be easily removed, thus eliminating the need for removal space and preventing component dropping and foreign matter intrusion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the grip portion including the second connector housing and lever is made removable, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential dropping and foreign matter intrusion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into a first connector housing (fixed) and a second connector housing (movable), allowing the second housing to be partially removed while the first remains in place. This segmentation enables operational flexibility while maintaining structural integrity and preventing complete removal that would cause dropping hazards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A lever mechanism serves as an intermediary between the operator and the second connector housing. The lever applies controlled force to move the second housing in and out, providing ease of operation while the lever itself acts as a retaining element that prevents accidental complete removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If space for removal is provided on the service plug, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases and foreign matter intrusion risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second connector housing is nested within or alongside the first connector housing in such a way that it can be partially extracted without requiring external removal space. The housing structures are designed to guide the second housing's movement within the confines of the first housing, eliminating the need for additional external space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector design incorporates dynamic movement capability where the second connector housing can slide in and out along a defined path without requiring permanent external space. The structure transitions between engaged and disengaged states within the available space, maintaining simplicity while enabling operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the second connector housing is made fully removable, then ease of operation is improved, but object-generated harmful factors increase due to component dropping

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidcomponent dropping
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connector housing structure is designed with built-in retention features that preemptively prevent the second connector housing from being completely removed. The first connector housing and its structural elements act as preliminary constraints that counteract any removal force, ensuring the second housing remains attached while still allowing operational movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of designing for complete removal and then adding retention features, the design inverts the approach by making the structure inherently non-removable while providing operational freedom through controlled partial movement. The second connector housing is designed to move within constraints rather than be freely removable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 service plug design prevents the need for removal space, ensuring secure operation by blocking the cam pin's removal and reducing the risk of component dropping and foreign matter intrusion into the first connector housing.

Implementation Method 1

a cam groove (34) in which a cam pin (13) is engaged, is formed in the lever (30)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Implementation Method 2

the terminal end of the cam groove (34) is provided with a stopping wall (38) that prevents the cam pin (13) from falling from the cam groove (34)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 3

a lever (30) that is rotatably mounted on the second connector housing (20) to apply a force to the second connector housing (20) in an insertion/removal direction with respect to the first connector housing (10)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3644454B1Service plug
Publication Date: 2021.06.30 YAZAKI CORP
  • EP3644454B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3644454B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3644454B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a service plug that is equipped with a first connector housing, a second connector housing (20), and a lever (30), wherein when the lever (30) is at a first operation position, the lever (30) has, at a terminal end (E) of a cam groove (34), a stopping wall (38) that prevents a cam pin within the cam groove (34) from falling in a direction in which the second connector housing (20) makes a transition from an engagement state to a disengagement state.