Retaining Member Connector Structure for Terminal Alignment Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors face challenges in ensuring proper alignment and secure holding of terminal fittings, which can lead to poor electrical connection quality and potential overload between terminal fitting parts.
Innovation Solution
A connector design that incorporates a terminal fitting with a terminal connection portion, a housing with a terminal housing portion, and a retaining member that locks the terminal fitting in place, allowing relative movement in the alignment direction while preventing extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the terminal fitting is accommodated in a relatively movable state with respect to the housing to enable alignment adjustment, then the alignment function is improved, but the holding function is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The connector structure transitions from a static fixed state to a dynamic state with two distinct phases: during assembly, the terminal fitting can move relatively within the housing to achieve alignment; after assembly, the retaining member engages to lock the terminal fitting in place. This dynamic transition resolves the contradiction by providing both movement capability and fixed stability at different stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into functional segments: the housing with terminal housing chamber provides the movable accommodation space for alignment, while the separate retaining member provides the locking function. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in one function (alignment or holding) without compromising the other.
2Measurement precision
If the terminal fitting is allowed to move relative to the housing for alignment, then the alignment precision is improved, but the connection stability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining member is designed to engage the terminal fitting at the assembly completed position, locking it in place after alignment has been achieved. This preliminary action of locking ensures that the alignment precision obtained during assembly is maintained and preserved during subsequent use, preventing any unintended movement that would compromise connection stability.
3Reliability
If the terminal fitting is securely locked in the housing, then the holding function is improved, but the alignment adjustability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The connector structure transitions from a static fixed state to a dynamic state with two distinct phases: during assembly, the terminal fitting can move relatively within the housing to achieve alignment; after assembly, the retaining member engages to lock the terminal fitting in place. This dynamic transition resolves the contradiction by providing both movement capability and fixed stability at different stages.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a retaining member that is held by the terminal housing portion at an assembly completed position to the terminal housing portion to lock movement of the terminal fitting with respect to the terminal housing portion in a terminal extraction direction opposite the terminal insertion direction at the assembly completed position. The retaining member includes a terminal locking portion disposed facing a locked portion of the terminal fitting at the assembly completed position in the terminal extraction direction to lock movement of the locked portion in the terminal extraction direction. The terminal fitting includes a retainer housing portion that accommodates the terminal locking portion of the retaining member at the assembly completed position and allows relative movement of the terminal fitting in the alignment direction with respect to the terminal locking portion and orthogonal to the terminal insertion direction.