Connector Lance Engaging Box Terminal With Wider Locking Face
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors with elastically deformable lances struggle to secure a sufficient holding force for terminals due to a limited engagement area, especially when tensile forces are applied to connected electric wires.
Innovation Solution
The connector design features a terminal accommodating chamber with a wider locking face engagement area, utilizing a front ceiling plate with a convex locking target face and grooves on the facing walls to increase the engagement range, allowing the lance to lock the terminal securely across a broader width and height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the penetration hole is molded in the wall portion with a connecting wall portion existing, then the terminal structure is simplified, but the engagement area between the locking unit of the lance and the terminal locking protrusion becomes small
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a single-plane penetration hole in the wall portion to a multi-dimensional engagement structure where the locking target face extends across multiple surfaces (ceiling plate and facing plates). This dimensional expansion increases the engagement area from a narrow linear contact to a broader two-dimensional contact surface, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and engagement area.
2Force
If the engagement area is small, then the device structure is compact, but the holding force of the terminal cannot be secured under tensile forces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the engagement interface by replacing a small penetration hole with a larger locking target face that spans multiple surfaces. This parameter change directly increases the contact area between the lance locking unit and terminal, thereby increasing the holding force capacity under tensile loads while maintaining structural integrity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the locking unit dimension in lateral direction is set considering the connecting wall portion, then the terminal structure is compatible, but the engaging dimension between the locking unit and terminal locking protrusion is narrowed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention resolves the dimensional constraint by expanding the engagement interface from a single lateral dimension (penetration hole width) to multiple dimensions (ceiling plate width plus facing plate widths). This allows the locking target face to extend beyond the limiting connecting wall portion, increasing the engaging dimension while maintaining compatibility with the terminal structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design enhances the holding force of the terminal by widening the engagement area between the lance and terminal, preventing shearing and deformation under tensile forces, thus improving the connector's ability to securely retain the terminal.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically deformable lance (a resilient locking piece) molded in the terminal accommodating chamber is engaged with the terminal
Data Source
AI summary
In a terminal accommodating chamber provided in a housing of a connector, a terminal to which an electric wire is connected is accommodated. The terminal is held by the engagement between a locking face of a lance molded in a terminal accommodating chamber and a locking target face provided in a box portion of the terminal. The locking target face is provided in a front ceiling plate molded by notching a ceiling plate of the box portion in a width direction to reach a facing plate outer face. The locking face and the locking target face are engaged with each other within a range wider than a facing plate inner face width of the facing plate.