Shielded Connector Terminal Protection via Sliding Guide Tube
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors lack effective protection against inadvertent contact with terminals during connection and disconnection, which can lead to accidental activation or short circuits, especially in high-voltage applications.
Innovation Solution
A connector system with a moveable terminal protection device (TPD) that slides along a mating axis from a protective position to an exposed position during connection, guided by cylindrical guide posts and tubes to minimize wobbling, and returns to protection upon disconnection, ensuring terminal safety and electromagnetic shielding without compromising the shield's effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If terminals are exposed for easy connection, then connection speed is improved, but risk of accidental contact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic terminal protection device that automatically moves between protective and exposed positions based on connection state. The TPD is spring-loaded to default to a protective position covering terminals, and automatically retracts when mating force is detected, providing both safety and quick connection capability without manual intervention.
2Reliability
If terminal protection device is added, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the terminal protection device with the connector housing structure, where the TPD is integrated as an inner housing component rather than a separate external device. The guide posts are also integrated into the outer housing, combining multiple functions into unified structures that reduce overall device complexity while maintaining safety functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal protection device is designed to be self-actuating through spring-loaded mechanisms and guide post interactions. The TPD automatically moves to protective position when disconnected and retracts to expose terminals when mating force is applied, eliminating the need for external control systems or manual operation.
3Reliability
If guide posts are used to minimize wobbling, then connection reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the guidance function into multiple guide posts distributed around the connector interface rather than relying on a single central guide. This segmentation provides redundant guidance paths and distributes manufacturing tolerances across multiple components, reducing the precision requirement for each individual guide post while maintaining overall connection stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly, such as a shielded high voltage electrical connector assembly, includes an outer housing having a guide post extending parallel to a mating axis and an inner housing slideably attached to the outer housing. The inner housing is configured to move along the mating axis from a first position to a second position. The inner housing comprises a guide tube that extends parallel to the mating axis. The guide tube defines a guide cavity that extends through the guide tube in a direction parallel to the mating axis. At least a portion of the guide post is disposed within the guide cavity when the inner housing is in the first position and in the second position.