Connector Cover With Elastic Terminal Guiding Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connector covers face challenges in safely guiding contact terminals during insertion, as the guiding elements can deform and cause damage to the seal, housing, or terminal, especially when dealing with larger cables and terminals.

Innovation Solution

The cover incorporates stop means to prevent deformation of terminal guiding elements and a receiving volume to protect them, along with two guiding elements on opposite sides that can deform to center the terminal, ensuring safe passage without damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If terminal guiding elements are made elastically deformable to guide terminals, then terminal guidance capability is improved, but the risk of deformation and damage to the guiding elements increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterminal guidance capabilityVSAvoidguiding element integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state of the guiding elements from rigid to elastically deformable, allowing them to flex during terminal insertion while maintaining structural integrity. This parameter change enables the guiding elements to adapt to terminal dimensions without permanent deformation or damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates a receiving volume that absorbs and cushions the deformation forces applied to the guiding elements during terminal insertion. This pre-prepared cushioning space prevents the guiding elements from experiencing excessive stress that could lead to damage, while still allowing them to perform their guidance function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the terminal insertion channel diameter is increased to accommodate larger cables, then cable compatibility is improved, but the risk of terminal damage during insertion increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable compatibilityVSAvoidterminal damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different properties to different parts of the insertion system: the terminal insertion channel has a larger diameter for cable compatibility, while the terminal guiding elements provide localized guidance and protection. This local differentiation allows the system to accommodate large cables without compromising terminal safety during insertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If guiding plates are used to spread the seal for terminal passage, then terminal insertion is facilitated, but the seal and housing may become damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterminal insertion facilitationVSAvoidseal and housing damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces terminal guiding elements as intermediary components between the terminal and the seal/housing. These guiding elements facilitate terminal passage by providing a controlled deformation mechanism that spreads the seal gradually, preventing direct contact between the terminal and the housing that could cause damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution effectively prevents damage to guiding elements and ensures safe terminal insertion by maintaining their elastic deformability, allowing for a compact and cost-efficient cover that protects both the guiding elements and the terminal during assembly and use.

Implementation Method 1

the cover further comprises at least two elastically deformable terminal guiding elements corresponding to the at least one terminal insertion channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3105825B1Cover for a connector housing and connector housing having such cover

Publication Date: 2020.10.07 TE CONNECTIVITY GERMANY GMBH

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a cover (1) for a connector housing (3). The invention further relates to a connector housing (3). In order to provide a cover (1) and a connector housing (3) which are easy and cost-efficient to produce and which allow safe guiding of contact terminals (35) into the connector housing (3) and also the extraction of the inserted contact terminals (35) through the cover (1), it is intended according to the invention that said cover (1) is attachable to a main body (5) of the housing (3), wherein the cover (1) comprises at least one terminal insertion channel (9), which extends along a terminal insertion direction (T), and wherein the cover (1) further comprises at least one elastically deformable terminal guiding element (13) corresponding to the at least one terminal insertion channel (9), and wherein the at least one terminal guiding element (13) protrudes into the terminal insertion channel (9). For said connector housing (3), it is intended to use said cover (1).