Shielded Connector Back Retainer for Vibration Force Suppression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connectors face issues with external force transmission to terminals due to vibration, leading to contact wear and increased manufacturing costs when using resin back retainers, and metal back retainers require complex shapes and high costs.

Innovation Solution

A connector design featuring a metal shield shell and a synthetic resin back retainer with engaging portions and squeezing ribs that absorb external forces, preventing rattling and maintaining contact without enlarging the connector or increasing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a resin back retainer is used to hold the wire, then the connector can suppress external force transmission to the terminal, but the back retainer requires enlargement to ensure sufficient holding force for large-size wires, causing connector enlargement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveholding forceVSAvoidconnector size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a composite structure combining resin and metal materials. The back retainer is made of resin while the shield shell is made of metal, creating a composite assembly that provides both the necessary holding force and structural support without requiring the entire connector to be enlarged.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention adds a new dimension of support by introducing the metal shield shell as an external reinforcing structure. Instead of enlarging the back retainer in three dimensions, the solution adds structural support from the shield shell that engages with the back retainer, effectively distributing the load without increasing the back retainer's volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If a resin back retainer is used to hold the wire, then the connector can suppress external force transmission to the terminal, but manufacturing cost increases due to complex shaping requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveholding forceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a resin back retainer instead of a metal back retainer, choosing a cheaper material (resin) for the component that experiences wear and replacement, while using metal for the durable shield shell structure. This material substitution reduces manufacturing cost while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of manufacture

If a locking portion with lock claw is used to assemble the back retainer, then the back retainer can be fixed to the connector housing, but a gap is formed between the locking portion and locked portion, allowing external force transmission through rattling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly easeVSAvoidforce suppression

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces an intermediary structure - the engagement protrusions and engagement recesses with multiple engagement surfaces - between the locking portion and locked portion. This intermediary mechanism fills the gap and prevents rattling by creating multiple contact points that eliminate play while maintaining the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention segments the engagement interface into multiple discrete engagement protrusions and engagement recesses arranged circumferentially. This segmentation creates multiple contact points that collectively eliminate gaps and prevent rattling, while each individual engagement point remains simple to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 design effectively suppresses external force transmission to terminals while maintaining connector size and cost, enhancing durability and reducing manufacturing expenses.

Implementation Method 1

the first engaging portion being pressed into contact with the engaged portion via the squeezing ribs on the both sides in the first direction and the second engaging portion being pressed into contact with the engaged portion via the squeezing ribs on the both sides in the second direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20260005468A1connector

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 AUTONETWORKS TECH LTD

AI summary

A connector includes a terminal, a wire, a shield shell including a wire pull-out opening, through which the wire is pulled out, and a back retainer to be fit to the wire pull-out opening. The wire pull-out opening of the shield shell includes a plurality of engaged portions. The back retainer includes a first engaging portion having squeezing ribs provided in a first direction and to be engaged with the engaged portion and a second engaging portion having squeezing ribs provided in a second direction and to be engaged with the engaged portion. The first engaging portion is pressed into contact with the engaged portion via the squeezing ribs in the first direction and the second engaging portion is pressed into contact with the engaged portion via the squeezing ribs in the second direction with the back retainer fit to the wire pull-out opening.