Shield Connector Cover Locking Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shield connectors for vehicles are prone to cover detachment when the hinge breaks, compromising the assembly and reliability of the connection.
Innovation Solution
A shield connector design featuring an outer housing with two covers that are locked to each other and to the body via first and second locking means, ensuring the covers remain closed even if the hinges break, thereby preventing detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cover is connected to the outer housing via a hinge to enable opening and closing for maintenance, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because the hinge may break and the cover may detach
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed with a hinge that enables dynamic opening and closing motion for maintenance access, while simultaneously incorporating locking means that engage when the cover is closed to prevent detachment. This combines dynamic operability with static security when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover structure is divided into functional segments: the hinge portion for opening/closing operation, the locking means for securing the closed state, and the cover body for protection. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally.
2Ease of repair
If the cover is designed to be easily opened and closed for maintenance, then the ease of repair is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to hinge failure and cover detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism provides dynamic capability for easy opening during maintenance, while the locking means provide static security to prevent accidental detachment during normal operation, thus balancing ease of repair with reliability.
3Device complexity
If a simple hinge connection is used to attach the cover to the outer housing, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates because the cover may detach when the hinge breaks
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means are integrated into the cover structure itself, merging the functions of the cover body and the locking mechanism into a single component. This reduces overall device complexity while improving reliability compared to separate hinge-and-lock systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is segmented into functional portions including the locking means, allowing the locking function to be built into the cover structure rather than requiring separate components, thus reducing complexity while enhancing reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A shield connector includes a shielded cable (11) with wires (12) enclosed by a shield layer (13). An inner housing (16) accommodates terminals (15) connected to the wires (12). A shield shell (20) covers the inner housing (16) and includes a connecting portion (23) to be connected electrically to the shield layer (13). An outer housing (30) accommodates the shield shell (20) and is locked to a mating connector. The outer housing (30) includes a body (31) enabling the shield shell (20) to be inserted therein through an opening (31A) on a rear side, and two covers (40A, 40B) integrally hinged to the body (31) to close the opening (31A) and cover the connecting portion (23). Each cover (40A, 40B) includes a first lock (43, 44) to be locked to the mating cover and a second lock (45) to be locked to the body.