Separate Cable Strain Relief Member with Integrated Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical connector systems face strain issues on the crimping area and locking mechanisms due to cable vibrations and pull-out forces, which can lead to connector failure, especially in applications like automotive systems where vibration is continuous.
Innovation Solution
A separate cable strain relief member with integrated locking means is used to transfer cable strain directly to a counter connector, reducing the force on the crimp area and locking mechanisms, and featuring mounting means for secure attachment to the connector housing, providing terminal position assurance and easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate cable strain relief member is used to transfer strain directly to the counter connector, then the strain on the crimp area and locking mechanisms is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the cable strain relief member: cable fastening, strain relief, locking mechanism, and terminal position assurance are all integrated into a single component, reducing the number of separate parts while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The cable strain relief member serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it fastens the cable, relieves strain, provides locking functionality, and ensures terminal position, making it a multi-functional component that addresses several requirements with one element
2Ease of manufacture
If the cable strain relief member is made as a separate component for easy assembly, then the ease of manufacture improves, but the reliability of strain relief may worsen due to potential assembly errors
Solution Approach 1:
The cable strain relief member features self-aligning and self-latching characteristics that enable automatic correct positioning during assembly, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures or specialized assembly tools while ensuring reliable strain relief
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting means are pre-configured on the cable strain relief member to automatically engage with the connector housing during assembly, ensuring correct positioning and secure attachment before the actual assembly process completes
3Reliability
If integrated locking means are added to the cable strain relief member for secure attachment, then the reliability of connection improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means are integrated directly into the cable strain relief member structure, combining the strain relief function with the locking function in a single unified component rather than using separate locking mechanisms
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to an electrical connector system comprising at least one contact terminal, a connector housing having at least one aperture adapted to receive the contact terminal therein, and a cable strain relief member separate from the connector housing. The cable strain relief member comprises fastening means for fastening the member to a cable for strain relief, and integrated locking means adapted for locking the member to a corresponding counter connector.