Bulb Socket Terminal Locking Structure Resilience
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing locking structures of terminal fittings in bulb sockets face a challenge where the terminal-side lock projection needs to deform significantly to lock onto the holding-side lock projection, leading to a decrease in resilience and locking force.
Innovation Solution
A locking structure where a first elastically deformable lock projection on the terminal fitting is locked onto a second lock projection on the terminal containing portion, with the connection counterpart restricting the deformation direction, preventing the reduction of resilience and enhancing the locking force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the terminal-side lock projection is locked on the holding-side lock projection by elastic recovery, then the terminal fitting can be held in the terminal containing portion, but the lock projection needs to deform to a large extent which decreases its resilience and locking force
Solution Approach 1:
The connection counterpart (bulb) acts as an intermediary that restricts the elastic deformation direction of the first lock projection. By inserting the connection counterpart into the terminal containing portion, it pushes the first lock projection toward the second lock projection, enabling locking while preventing excessive deformation that would reduce resilience. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction between achieving reliable locking and maintaining projection strength.
2Reliability
If the first lock projection is allowed to deform freely to lock onto the second lock projection, then locking can be achieved, but the resilience of the first lock projection decreases due to excessive deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The connection counterpart changes the deformation parameter of the first lock projection by restricting its elastic deformation in the unlocking direction. This parameter control allows the lock projection to deform sufficiently for locking while preventing excessive deformation that would compromise resilience, thus resolving the contradiction between locking reliability and strength maintenance.
3Reliability
If the lock projection deforms significantly to reach the lock position, then locking can be achieved, but the locking force is lowered due to reduced resilience
Solution Approach 1:
The connection counterpart serves as a mediator that controls the deformation process of the first lock projection. It ensures sufficient deformation for locking engagement while restricting further deformation that would reduce resilience and locking force, thereby resolving the contradiction between achieving locking engagement and maintaining locking force.
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
This configuration maintains the resilience of the lock projection, ensuring a stronger locking force by preventing unnecessary deformation and allowing the terminal fitting to be held securely at the lock position before insertion.
Implementation Method 1
a first lock projection which is elastically deformable and is provided on the terminal fitting is locked on a second lock projection which is provided on the terminal containing portion
Implementation Method 2
the at least part of the connection counterpart inserted in the terminal containing portion restricts elastic deformation of the first lock projection in a direction in which the first lock projection is unlocked from the second lock projection
Data Source
AI summary
A locking structure includes a terminal fitting and a terminal containing portion that holds and contains the terminal fitting so that the terminal fitting is electrically connected to a connection counterpart in a condition that at least part of the connection counterpart is inserted in the terminal containing portion. A first lock projection which is elastically deformable and is provided on the terminal fitting is locked on a second lock projection which is provided on the terminal containing portion. The at least part of the connection counterpart inserted in the terminal containing portion restricts elastic deformation of the first lock projection in a direction in which the first lock projection is unlocked from the second lock projection.