Connector Displacement Restricting Member for Terminal Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for in-vehicle LAN wiring harnesses face issues with terminal holding member deformation due to pull-up forces on communication wires, leading to potential detachment and structural instability.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a terminal holding member with a displacement restricting member that locks into the connector housing, preventing displacement and deformation by using a base with deflectable side walls and positioning projections to secure the terminal unit within the accommodation recess.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the terminal holding member is configured by vertically uniting and assembling a lower case and an upper case, then the terminal unit can be assembled from behind, but the upper case may be detached from the lower case when a pull-up force acts on the communication wire
Solution Approach 1:
The displacement restricting member is installed in advance on the terminal holding member to prevent the harmful effect of pull-up forces on the communication wire. The restricting member with its positioning portion and deflectable side walls creates preliminary resistance against upward displacement, counteracting the pull-up force before it can cause detachment of the upper case from the lower case.
2Ease of operation
If the rear side of the terminal holding member projects rearward from the connector housing, then the terminal unit can be mounted from behind, but the rear side may be deformed upward when pulled
Solution Approach 1:
The displacement restricting member incorporates deflectable side walls that can dynamically respond to external forces. When a pull-up force acts on the communication wire, the side walls deflect to absorb the force while the positioning portion maintains the terminal unit's position. This dynamic structure prevents upward deformation of the rear side while allowing controlled movement to accommodate installation variations.
3Reliability
If a displacement restricting member is added to restrict terminal unit displacement, then structural stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The displacement restricting member is merged with the terminal holding member by being installed directly on it, forming an integrated assembly. The restricting member's base integrates with the terminal holding member's structure, and the positioning portion works in conjunction with the accommodation recess. This merging approach provides displacement restriction functionality while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
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 solution effectively restricts displacement and deformation of the terminal holding member even under external forces, ensuring stable connection and preventing detachment of the terminal unit, while also allowing for a compact connector design by eliminating the need for a partition wall in the deflection space.
Implementation Method 1
the accommodation recess is open and communicates with a deflection space for the lock arm
Data Source
AI summary
When a terminal unit (U) is mounted into an accommodation recess (8 of a connector housing (1), a rear part thereof projects from the connector housing (1). A displacement restricting member (2) including positioning portions (16) is mounted on the projecting part. Since the positioning portions (16) are fit into receiving portions (15) of the connector housing (1) while being position in a direction intersecting with an inserting direction, a situation where the projecting part of the terminal holding member (H) is deformed is avoided even if a second wire (25) is swung.