Stack Connector Covers for Protecting Exposed Terminal Tabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
In a state where the male connector is not mounted in the male holder, the tabs of the male terminal fittings are exposed and prone to deformation due to interference with other members.
Innovation Solution
A stack connector design featuring housings with male terminal fittings and covers that include covering portions to protect the tabs, along with holding and release mechanisms to facilitate stacking without exposing the tabs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tabs are exposed for connection purposes, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to deformation risk
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is attached to the housing before the connector is mounted in the holder, preliminarily protecting the tabs from deformation. The cover is removed only after mounting, at which point the tabs are safely positioned and no longer exposed to deformation risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover's state changes dynamically: it is attached during storage and transport to protect tabs, then removed during operation to allow connection. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between protection and accessibility.
2Reliability
If tabs are covered to prevent deformation, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is attached in advance during assembly, so that when the connector is stored or transported, the tabs are already protected without requiring additional operational steps. The cover is removed only when necessary for connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover acts as an intermediary component that provides protection during non-operational states. It is a simple attachment that does not complicate the connection process itself, as it is removed before connection occurs.
3Reliability
If covers are attached to protect tabs, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into distinct components: housing, terminal fittings, and cover. This segmentation allows the cover to be a separate, simple protective element that can be attached or removed independently, rather than integrating complexity into the main connector structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover serves as a simple intermediary protective component with a straightforward attachment mechanism. It adds minimal structural complexity while effectively solving the protection problem.
Data Source
AI summary
It is aimed to protect tabs. A stack connector (A) includes a plurality of housings (21, 22, 23, 24) to be assembled in a stacked state, male terminal fittings (40) each including an elongated tab (42) and to be mounted into the housings (21, 22, 23, 24) with the tabs projecting forward from the housings (21, 22, 23, 24), and covers (50) including covering portions (51) for covering the tabs (42). With the covers (50) attached to the housings (21, 22, 23, 24), the tabs (42) can be protected by the covering portions (51).