Connector Interfering Projection for Terminal Mounting Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for in-vehicle LANs face challenges in detecting the proper mounting state of terminal fittings within a terminal holding member, leading to potential noise countermeasures being compromised and incomplete insertion issues, while also increasing the number of components required.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a retainer with an interfering projection that allows insertion and full locking only when the second terminal fitting is properly mounted, functioning as both a detection and retention mechanism, reducing the number of components and ensuring proper alignment without dedicated temporary holding means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a terminal unit with terminal fittings mounted in a terminal holding member is used, then the noise countermeasure function is maintained without untwisting the communication wires, but it becomes impossible to detect whether the terminal fittings are mounted properly in the terminal holding member
Solution Approach 1:
The interfering projection acts as an intermediary element between the retainer and the terminal unit. When the terminal fittings are properly mounted, the projection can pass through without interference. When improperly mounted, the projection is blocked, providing a mechanical indication of proper assembly without requiring additional sensors or detection devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer structure itself provides the detection function through its interaction with the terminal unit. The interfering projection is integrated into the retainer, and its ability to engage with the terminal holding member automatically indicates whether the terminal fittings are properly mounted, eliminating the need for separate detection mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If the retainer is positioned at a partial locking position to allow terminal fitting insertion, then the insertion process is facilitated, but the terminal fittings are not securely retained
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is designed to be movable between two distinct positions: a partial locking position during insertion that allows easy placement, and a full locking position that provides secure retention. This dynamic positioning allows the system to adapt to different operational phases, providing ease of operation during assembly and reliable retention during use.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If additional detection mechanisms are added to detect the mounted state of terminal fittings, then detection capability is improved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is merged with the retention function in a single integrated retainer structure. The interfering projection serves dual purposes: it detects whether terminal fittings are properly mounted and simultaneously engages with the terminal holding member to provide retention. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate detection components.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs retention and detection functions. The interfering projection is a universal element that interacts with the terminal unit to both indicate proper mounting and provide mechanical retention, making the retainer a versatile component that addresses multiple requirements with a single structure.
Data Source
AI summary
It is aimed to detect a mounted state of a second terminal fitting in a terminal unit in which the second terminal fitting is mounted in a terminal holding member. A connector includes an interfering projection (25) formed on a retainer (21). When a second terminal fitting (50) of a terminal unit (30) is properly mounted in a terminal holding member (31), the retainer (21) is displaceable from a partial locking position to a full locking position without the interfering projection (25) interfering with the second terminal fitting (50). When the second terminal fitting (50) is improperly mounted in the terminal holding member (31), the interfering projection (25) interferes with the second terminal fitting (50), thereby restricting a displacement of the retainer (21) to a full locking position.