Stacked Joint Connector Housing Locking for Lid Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional joint connectors face issues with maintaining the stacked state of sub-housings, particularly when stress is applied, as the lid portion of the upper sub-housing can detach due to locking mechanisms in lower sub-housings.
Innovation Solution
A joint connector design featuring stacked housings with a lid portion and a conductive member, where the lid portions of both housings include stacked state holding portions to secure the stacked configuration, allowing for collective fixation using fewer components and enhanced holding force through locking projections and recesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If locking pieces are provided on the lower sub-housing and locked portions are provided on the upper sub-housing, then the stacked state can be held, but the lid portion of the upper sub-housing may detach when stress is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two independent systems: one system with locking pieces on the lower sub-housing and locked portions on the upper sub-housing for stacking stability, and another system with locking pieces on the upper sub-housing and locked portions on the lower sub-housing for lid retention. This segmentation allows each system to independently perform its specific function without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid portion acts as an intermediary element that connects to both the upper sub-housing (for stacking) and the lower sub-housing (for retention). By providing locked portions on the lower sub-housing that engage with locking pieces on the lid portion, the lid is securely retained even when stress is applied to the stacked structure.
2Reliability
If multiple locking mechanisms are provided to prevent lid detachment, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pieces and locked portions are designed with universal functionality to serve multiple purposes. The same structural elements (locking pieces and locked portions) are used both for maintaining the stacked state of sub-housings and for retaining the lid portion, eliminating the need for separate dedicated locking mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The stacking locking mechanism and lid retention mechanism are merged into a unified system where locking pieces and locked portions are strategically positioned to simultaneously achieve both stacking stability and lid retention. This merging reduces the overall number of components and simplifies the device structure while maintaining high reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A joint connector 10 is provided with connecting members 21 each including a plurality of terminals 12 and a conductive member, and a plurality of housings. The plurality of housings are stacked along a stacking direction. At least one housing constituting the plurality of housings includes a placing portion, on which the connecting member 21 is placed, and a lid portion for at least partially covering the connecting member 21 placed on the placing portion to hold the connecting member 21 in the housing. A first housing 71 and a second housing 171 are stacked on each other. A first lid portion relating to the first housing 71 and a second lid portion relating to the second housing 171 are provided with a stacked state holding portion.