Automatic Detection System for Complete Connection of a Waterproof Soft-Shell Electronic Connector With a Sliding Locking Device

We developed a detection method for complete connection of a particular waterproof soft-shell electronic connector with a sliding locking device for automobiles and demonstrated a practical automatic detection system for complete connection. The proposed detection method is based on a click generated from the sliding-locking device at complete locking. However, the click generated by this type of connector is so quiet that it must be detected by a miniature microphone, amplified, and subjected to various electrical processes. Complete connection is then automatically determined from the signal level and the settling time and frequency components of the click. As a result of the demonstration of a practical automatic detection system, the detection system detected complete connection at a probability of 100% for 100 connectors and successfully rejected incomplete connections. There are limitations to the proposed detection method. The detection system did not prevent misdetection due to other types of connectors and noises that have sound components similar to those of the click for the waterproof soft-shell connector with a sliding-locking device. However, we do not consider these misdetections to be a serious problem, because sound components similar to the click for the waterproof soft-shell connector with a sliding-locking device are rare in the manufacturing environment.