Combination Terminal Locking Mechanism Absorbing External Forces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combination terminals are prone to detachment due to external forces during transportation, as the deformation of engaging portions leads to unlocking of terminal fittings, causing separation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating external force-absorbing tapered portions on the second terminal, which come into surface contact with inclined walls to absorb external forces, maintaining the locked state between the base and inserting piece, and preventing detachment by suppressing curved deformation and lateral displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the combination terminal uses a simple locking structure with engaging portions, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because external forces can cause deformation and detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces tapered portions with inclined surfaces that convert linear external forces into radial compression forces. The curved/tapered geometry allows the locking structure to absorb bending stresses through surface contact between the tapered portion and the base, preventing detachment while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the locking structure by adding tapered portions with specific inclination angles. This parameter modification enables the structure to better withstand external forces during transportation without significantly increasing overall complexity
2Strength
If the engaging portions are made more robust to prevent deformation, then the strength is improved, but the device complexity increases and ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the locking structure into distinct functional segments: the base with locking hole, the inserting piece with locking projection, and the tapered portions with inclined surfaces. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using standard processes, then assembled together, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving robust locking
3Reliability
If the locking structure is made more secure with additional locking mechanisms, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tapered portions serve multiple functions simultaneously: they guide the inserting piece during assembly, absorb external forces during transportation, and maintain constant contact pressure between the locking projection and locking hole. This multi-functionality achieves enhanced reliability without adding separate components
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
The external force-absorbing tapered portions effectively absorb external forces, maintaining the locked state between the base and inserting piece, preventing detachment and ensuring reliable locking even under bending stresses.
Implementation Method 1
an external force absorbing tapered portion projects laterally from the inserting piece and is capable of coming into surface contact with one of the inclined walls
Data Source
AI summary
A combination terminal (1) has a first terminal (10) overlapping a second terminal (110) in a plate thickness direction. The first terminal (10) includes a base (41) and two inclined walls (20) intersecting surfaces of the base (41) from both lateral ends of the base (41) and forming an insertion/accommodation space (C) having a trapezoidal shape. The second terminal (110) includes an inserting piece (132) that overlaps the base (41) when inserted into the insertion/accommodation space (C). A locking claw (132A) on the inserting piece (132) locks the base (41) by overlapping the inserting piece (132) on the base plate (41). An external force absorbing tapered portion (133) projects laterally from the inserting piece (132) and comes into surface contact with one of the inclined walls (42) with the locking portion (132A) locked to the base (41).