Connector Through-Hole Support Structure for Parallel Terminal Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Connectors made of synthetic resin can deform during the molding process, causing pin insertion holes to be inclined at different angles, which results in pins not being aligned in parallel.
Innovation Solution
A connector design with a housing made of synthetic resin, featuring through holes with slit-like openings and projection-like supporting portions on the inner surface to align and mount terminal fittings in parallel, even if the housing is deformed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a connector housing is made of synthetic resin for ease of manufacture and cost reduction, then manufacturing ease and cost are improved, but the housing may deform during molding causing pin insertion holes to be inclined at different angles, resulting in poor alignment of pins
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces guide surfaces and positioning structures on the housing that are formed during molding. These structures perform the alignment function in advance, guiding the pins into correct positions even when the housing deforms. The guide surfaces create predetermined paths that ensure proper alignment regardless of housing curvature.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the through-holes and positioning structures to accommodate potential housing deformation. By designing the positioning features with appropriate tolerances and geometric relationships, the system maintains alignment functionality even when the housing shape changes during or after molding.
2Manufacturing precision
If the housing is rigid to maintain shape stability, then alignment precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local reinforcement or specific structural features only at critical locations where alignment is needed, rather than making the entire housing rigid. The guide surfaces and positioning structures are localized features that provide necessary stability only where required, leaving the rest of the housing simple and easy to manufacture.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector is provided with a housing made of synthetic resin, a plurality of slit-like through holes formed in the housing, and a plurality of terminal fittings mounted in the housing while being passed through the through holes. The plurality of through holes are so disposed in parallel that long sides of the through holes are parallel. Projection-like supporting portions configured to come into contact with an outer surface of the terminal fitting to sandwich the terminal fitting are formed on an inner surface of the through hole. The supporting portions are disposed only on two long-side inner wall surfaces, out of the inner surface of the through hole, and project only from parts of the long-side inner wall surfaces in a penetration direction of the through hole.