Connector With Folded Wire End Engaged In Housing Groove
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connectors require a retaining mechanism that increases height due to the engagement between a lance on the housing and a step portion of the terminal, hindering height reduction while compromising assembly flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A connector design that eliminates the terminal by using a conductor core wire exposed from the electric wire as a contact portion, with a folded portion engaged into a groove in the housing to secure the wire, allowing for reduced height and flexible assembly, and includes a planar portion for increased contact area with the mating terminal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a retaining mechanism with lance and step portion is used, then the terminal is securely held, but the connector height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional lance and step portion retaining mechanism from the housing, extracting this function entirely. Instead, the terminal's own structure (its front end portion) engages directly with the housing front surface, eliminating the need for separate retaining components and reducing overall connector height while maintaining retention reliability.
2Length of stationary object
If a retaining mechanism is removed to reduce height, then connector height decreases, but assembly flexibility may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal structure itself serves the dual function of both electrical contact and mechanical retention. The terminal's front end portion automatically engages with the housing front surface during assembly, eliminating the need for separate retaining mechanisms. This self-service approach maintains assembly flexibility while reducing connector height.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes an electric wire and a housing having an electric wire accommodating portion which is opened upward and which is configured to hold the electric wire. A folded portion folded back to one side toward a cover of the electric wire is provided at a tip end part of a contact portion of a conductor core wire of the electric wire. A groove that is opened forward and extends in a front-rear direction of the housing is formed on a front end surface located at a front end of the wire accommodating portion of the housing. The folded portion is engaged to the groove so that the electric wire is held by the housing.