Connector Locking Lance Projection for Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors face challenges in miniaturization due to the design of resiliently deformable locking lances, which are hindered by excessive deformation prevention mechanisms, making it difficult to reduce size in both deforming and projecting directions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a projection that contacts the locking lance from a side opposite its deforming direction to prevent excessive deformation, allowing for a smaller space and enabling miniaturization by overlapping parts in deforming and projecting directions, while ensuring a sufficient deformation space when not deformed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a deformation space is provided between the locking lance and the excessive deformation preventing portion in the resilient deforming direction, then the locking lace can be prevented from excessive deformation, but the connector cannot be miniaturized in the resilient deforming direction
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the arrangement dimension of the excessive deformation preventing portion from the resilient deforming direction to a direction substantially perpendicular to the resilient deforming direction. The projection extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the resilient deforming direction of the locking lace, allowing the preventing portion to contact the locking lace from the side without requiring space in the deforming direction.
2Length of stationary object
If the projection and the locking lace overlap in their projecting directions when not deformed, then the connector can be miniaturized in the projecting directions, but the deformation space must be carefully controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies partial overlap between the projection and locking lace in their projecting directions. The leading ends are positioned to substantially coincide when the locking lace is not resiliently deformed, providing just enough overlap for miniaturization while ensuring sufficient deformation space when the locking lace deforms. This partial overlap achieves size reduction without compromising functionality.
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 allows for significant miniaturization of the connector by controlling excessive deformation and optimizing the spatial arrangement of the locking lance and projection, enhancing the connector's compactness without compromising its functionality.
Implementation Method 1
A resiliently deformable locking lace is cantilevered forward along an inner surface of the cavity and retains a terminal fitting that has been inserted properly into the cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A connector housing (20) includes cavities (30) into which terminal fittings (90) are to be inserted, a front wall (40) capable of stopping the terminal fittings (90) inserted into the cavities (30) at front end positions, and resiliently deformable locking lances (33) cantilever from inner surfaces of the cavities (30). Projections (50) project from a side where the front wall (40) is located toward a side where the locking lances (33) are located. The projections (50) are arranged to contact the locking lances (33) from an opposite side in a resilient deforming direction of the locking lances (33) when the locking lances (33) are about to be deformed excessively.