Split Connector Retainer Segmentation for Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing split connectors fail to reliably detect the partial locking position of a retainer, leading to interference with the accommodating portion's opening edge and preventing the detection of insufficiently inserted terminal fittings.
Innovation Solution
A split connector design featuring a retainer that slides between partial and full locking positions, with guide recesses and projections on the housing and sub-connector, respectively, allowing visual confirmation of the locking position and preventing improper orientation during insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the retainer is supported on the sub-connector via an easily deformable thin hinge and is pivotable between partial locking position and full locking position, then the retainer can detect insufficiently inserted terminal fittings, but the retainer projects from the outer surface of the sub-connector at partial locking position and interferes with the opening edge of the accommodating portion, preventing reliable detection
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is divided into multiple segments connected by hinges, allowing it to fold compactly when not in use and extend only when needed for detection, eliminating continuous interference with the opening edge
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer transitions from a static projecting structure to a dynamic foldable structure that can change its configuration based on operational needs, reducing harmful interference during insertion while maintaining detection capability
2Reliability
If the retainer is pivotable about the hinge between partial locking position and full locking position, then the retainer can retain properly inserted terminal fittings, but interference with the opening edge can pivot the retainer away from the full locking position, preventing detection of insufficiently inserted terminal fittings
Solution Approach 1:
The foldable structure pre-compensates for the harmful pivoting effect by providing a controlled folding mechanism that counteracts unintended position changes, ensuring the retainer remains stable in the full locking position
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer uses controlled dynamic movement through hinges to maintain position stability, allowing it to adapt to interference forces without losing its locking position
3Measurement precision
If the retainer projects from the outer surface of the sub-connector at partial locking position, then insufficiently inserted terminal fittings can be detected, but the retainer interferes with the opening edge of the accommodating portion during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is segmented into foldable portions that can be reconfigured during insertion, allowing it to clear the opening edge easily and then extend to provide precise position detection
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer transitions from a compact non-interfering state during insertion to an extended detection state after insertion, optimizing both insertion ease and detection precision
Data Source
AI summary
A split connector includes a housing (10) with an accommodating portion (12) and sub-connectors (20) are inserted into the accommodating portion (12). Terminal fittings (23) and retainers (30) are inserted into the sub-connectors (20). Guide recesses (14L, 14R) are formed on an inner surface of the accommodating portion (12) and extend along an inserting direction of the sub-connectors (20) into the accommodating portion (12). Guide projections (29L, 29R) are formed on outer surfaces of the sub-connectors (20) and fit into the guide recesses (14L, 14R) in an inserting process into the accommodating portion (12). Detecting projections (34L, 34R) on outer surfaces of the retainer (30) are configured not to fit into the guide recesses (14L, 14R) when the retainers (30) are at a partial locking position but fit into the guide recesses (14L, 14R) when the retainers (30) are at a full locking position.