Shared Retainer Structure for Stacked Connector Half-Insertion Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stacked connectors face an increase in the number of parts when using separate retainers for half-insertion detection of terminal fittings, which complicates assembly and increases costs.

Innovation Solution

A stacked connector design that shares a single retainer between two housings, utilizing elastic locking portions to detect half-inserted states of terminal fittings without increasing the overall part count.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate retainers are provided for the first housing and the second housing to detect half-inserted terminal fittings, then the detection function is achieved, but the number of parts increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehalf-insertion detection functionVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate retainers (first retainer for first housing, second retainer for second housing) into a single integrated retainer that serves both housings. This single retainer includes a first locking portion for the first housing and a second locking portion for the second housing, thereby achieving half-insertion detection for both housings while reducing the total number of parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single retainer is designed to perform multiple functions: it detects half-inserted terminal fittings in both the first housing and the second housing, and also serves as a stacking structure to connect the two housings. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate retainers for each housing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Quantity of substance

If a single retainer is shared between both housings, then the number of parts is reduced, but the structural complexity of the retainer increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of partsVSAvoidretainer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single retainer is segmented into distinct functional portions: a first locking portion with a first elastic locking element for the first housing, and a second locking portion with a second elastic locking element for the second housing. This segmentation allows each portion to independently perform its detection function while maintaining overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retainer structure is designed so that the first locking portion and second locking portion are integrated within a single retainer body. The elastic locking portions are nested within the retainer structure, allowing compact arrangement that reduces overall complexity despite the multi-functional requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If the second housing is lifted due to interference from the second retaining portion with a half-inserted first terminal fitting, then the half-inserted state is detected, but the locking portion cannot engage with the lock receiving portion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehalf-inserted state detectionVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic locking portions serve as intermediaries between the locking portions and the terminal fittings. When a terminal fitting is half-inserted, the elastic locking portion deforms and prevents the locking portion from fully engaging with the lock receiving portion, thereby indicating the half-inserted state without causing housing displacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The retainer structure automatically detects the half-inserted state through the interference mechanism. When a terminal fitting is not properly inserted, the locking portion's engagement is automatically prevented by the retainer's elastic locking portion, providing self-detection without requiring additional sensors or mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables effective detection of half-inserted terminal fittings while reducing the number of parts, simplifying assembly, and maintaining a stable stacked state through shared retainer components.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic locking portion configured to lock the first housing in a state in which the first locking portion is disposed so as to be engageable with the first terminal fitting

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20260081381A1Stacked connector

Publication Date: 2026.03.19 SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS LTD

AI summary

A stacked connector includes: a first housing and a second housing stacked on each other; a first terminal fitting and a second terminal fitting; and a retainer configured to be shared between both the first housing and the second housing. The retainer includes: a first locking portion disposed so as to be engageable with the first terminal fitting accommodated in a first cavity of the first housing, in a detachment direction from the first cavity; a second locking portion disposed so as to be engageable with the second terminal fitting accommodated in a second cavity of the second housing, in a detachment direction from the second cavity; and an elastic locking portion configured to lock the first housing in a state in which the first locking portion is disposed so as to be engageable with the first terminal fitting.