Compact Connector Housing Integrating Nut and Locking Holes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors are elongated in the front-back direction due to the need for separate bolt and locking holes, making them larger than necessary.
Innovation Solution
A connector design with a nut mounting hole where the bolt hole communicates coaxially with the nut mounting hole, and a locking portion that retains the nut from behind, eliminating the need for a separate locking hole, allowing the connector to be shortened in the front-back direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate bolt hole and locking hole are provided in the connecting portion, then reliable electrical connection and locking are achieved, but the connector becomes elongated in the front-back direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the bolt hole and locking hole into a single integrated hole structure. The bolt hole serves dual purposes: it allows bolt insertion for electrical connection and simultaneously functions as the locking hole for the locking lance to engage with the connecting portion. This merging eliminates the need for a separate locking hole, thereby shortening the connector in the front-back direction while maintaining both connection reliability and locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The single hole in the connecting portion serves multiple functions: it acts as both the bolt hole for electrical connection and the locking hole for mechanical retention. The hole is positioned and dimensioned to accommodate both the bolt insertion path and the locking lance engagement, making it a multi-functional feature that replaces what were previously two separate holes.
2Ease of operation
If the connecting portion is lengthened to accommodate separate bolt hole and locking hole, then both connection and locking functions are ensured, but the terminal accommodating portion and housing become larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the bolt hole and locking hole into a single hole in the connecting portion. This integration allows the hole to serve both connection and locking purposes, eliminating the need for an elongated connecting portion and thereby reducing the overall housing area while maintaining both connection and locking functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking lance engages with the connecting portion from a different spatial direction (from the rear or side) rather than requiring a linear extension in the front-back direction. This dimensional approach allows the locking function to be achieved without increasing the connector's length in the primary direction, thus reducing housing area.
3Ease of manufacture
If the locking lance is positioned before the front end opening, then easy locking of the nut is achieved, but the locking portion may interfere with terminal insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The locking lance is designed as a movable component that can deflect or move during the terminal insertion process. When the terminal is being inserted, the locking lance can move out of the way to avoid interference. Once the terminal is in place and the nut is positioned, the locking lace returns to its locking position to engage with the nut. This dynamic behavior allows both easy locking and smooth terminal insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking lace is pre-positioned in a retracted or non-interfering state during terminal insertion. Only after the terminal is properly inserted and the nut is in position does the locking lance move into its active locking position to engage with the nut. This preliminary positioning prevents interference during insertion while ensuring easy locking once assembly is complete.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector (10) includes terminals (40) each of which has a plate-like connecting portion (42) formed with a nut mounting hole (43). A housing (20) is formed with terminal accommodating portions (21) capable of accommodating the terminals (40). Nuts (44) with bolt holes (45) are mounted integrally on the connecting portion (42) so that each bolt hole (45) coaxially communicates with the nut mounting hole (43). Locking lances (29) are formed in the housing (20) and retain the connecting portions (42) by locking outer parts of the nuts (44) from behind. Front stops (23) are formed in the terminal accommodating portion (21) and stop the connecting portion (42) at a front end position by locking projections (47) formed on the terminal (40) to project from the terminal (40) from front.