Connector Holder Rib Structure for Terminal-Safe Jig Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors with holders risk damaging terminals during the transition from a fully locked to a temporarily locked state due to the hook portion of the removal jig contacting the terminal tab.
Innovation Solution
The connector design includes a rib body portion with an insertion hole for the hook portion of the removal jig, guided by a rib reinforcing portion, preventing direct contact between the jig and the terminal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the holder is released from fully locked state to temporarily locked state using a removal jig, then the holder can be temporarily removed from the housing, but the hook portion of the removal jig contacts the terminal tab causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is segmented into functional regions: the rib body portion provides the main structure, the rib reinforcing portion provides structural support, and the insertion hole provides a dedicated access point for the removal jig. This segmentation allows the removal operation to be performed through a specific path that avoids contact with the terminal tab.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion hole acts as an intermediary element that guides the hook portion of the removal jig along a safe path. By providing this intermediate structure, the removal jig can access the holder for temporary removal without directly contacting the terminal tab, thus preventing damage while enabling the removal operation.
2Ease of manufacture
If the holder structure is simplified without additional protective features, then manufacturing is easier, but terminal damage occurs during removal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion hole is formed in advance during the holder manufacturing process, before the removal operation is performed. This preliminary action of creating the guided path ensures that when the removal jig is used, it automatically follows the safe path without requiring complex real-time control or additional protective mechanisms during the actual removal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder structure maintains uniform material and basic geometry for easy manufacturing, but introduces a localized feature (the insertion hole) with specific quality characteristics. This local quality change provides the necessary guidance function for terminal protection while keeping the overall manufacturing process simple and consistent with standard production methods.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector with a holder, the connector includes a bottomed tubular housing that includes a holder accommodating portion and that is provided with a terminal, and a holder that is inserted into the holder accommodating portion and that includes a base portion formed with a hole through which the terminal is inserted. The holder includes a rib body portion that protrudes from the base portion, and a rib reinforcing portion that protrudes from an upper face of the rib body portion. An insertion hole is formed at a position of the rib body portion that is adjacent to the rib reinforcing portion or at a position of the rib reinforcing portion that is adjacent to the rib body portion. A hook portion provided at a distal end portion of a jig is inserted into the insertion hole when the holder is removed from the housing.