Connector Locking Lance Recess Design for Insertion Force Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors face high insertion resistance due to increased flexural rigidity of the locking lance when trying to reduce shear stress, which compromises the holding force of the terminal fitting.
Innovation Solution
A connector design with a locking lance featuring a recess on the side opposite to the terminal accommodation chamber, reducing flexural rigidity and insertion resistance while maintaining a large shear area for holding force, and incorporating curved surfaces to distribute stress and prevent improper deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the thickness of the locking lance in the resilient displacing direction is increased to ensure a large shear area, then the holding force of the locking lance is improved, but the flexural rigidity of the locking lance increases and insertion resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking lance has different thicknesses at different locations: a first thickness in the resilient displacing direction and a second thickness in the shear direction, where the second thickness is greater than the first. This local quality differentiation allows the locking lance to have low flexural rigidity for easy insertion while maintaining high shear strength for reliable holding force.
2Strength
If the flexural rigidity of the locking lance is increased to ensure structural stability, then the holding force is improved, but the resilient restoring force increases and insertion resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking lance employs localized thickness variation with a thinner section in the resilient displacing direction to reduce flexural rigidity and resilient restoring force, while maintaining adequate thickness in the shear direction to preserve holding force. This resolves the contradiction between structural stability and ease of insertion.
3Stress or pressure
If the thickness of the locking lance is increased to reduce shear stress, then the holding force is improved, but the device complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly increasing the thickness of the locking lance, the design applies increased thickness only in the shear direction where it is needed for holding force, while keeping the thickness in the resilient displacing direction smaller. This localized approach reduces overall device complexity and material usage while still achieving the goal of reducing shear stress through adequate shear area.
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
The design effectively reduces insertion resistance without compromising the holding force of the locking lance, ensuring reliable retention of the terminal fitting with minimal deformation and simplified mold structures for housing production.
Implementation Method 1
The locking lance is cantilevered forward and is resiliently displaceable in a direction away from the terminal accommodation chamber and in a direction to enter the terminal accommodation chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a housing (10) formed with a terminal accommodation chamber (13), a terminal fitting (21) to be inserted into the terminal accommodation chamber (13) from behind the housing (10), a locking lance (14) disposed to face the terminal accommodation chamber (13), cantilevered forward and resiliently displaceable in a direction away from the terminal accommodation chamber (13) and in a direction to enter the terminal accommodation chamber (13), and a recess (20) formed in an area on a side of the locking lance (14) opposite to the terminal accommodation chamber (13).