Connector Latch Part Dual-Point Engagement for Terminal Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional connectors lack sufficient latch force to prevent terminal fittings from escaping during assembly, requiring additional components like spacers or front holders, which complicates manufacturing and increases costs.

Innovation Solution

A connector design featuring a latch part with a latch arm and projection that latches the terminal fitting at two points, along with a guide groove and abutting part to stabilize the terminal fitting, eliminating the need for additional components and simplifying manufacturing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a latch lance is used to latch the terminal fitting, then the connector structure is simple, but the latch force is insufficient causing terminal fitting escape

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector structureVSAvoidlatch force

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The latch part is divided into two functional elements: a latch arm with tip for initial latching, and a latch projection for secondary latching. This segmentation allows the same component to provide multiple latching actions at different positions on the terminal fitting, increasing total latch force without adding separate latch mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The latch projection extends in a direction intersecting the insertion direction (transverse dimension), allowing it to engage a second latching position on the terminal fitting that is spatially separated from the first latching position. This dimensional approach enables dual-point latching within a single latch part structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Force

If spacers or front holders are added to increase latch force, then terminal fitting escape is prevented, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatch forceVSAvoidconnector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The latch arm and latch projection are merged into a single integrated latch part that is formed as one piece with the connector housing. This eliminates the need for separate spacer components or front holder assemblies, reducing part count and manufacturing complexity while achieving the desired latch force through dual-point engagement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The latch part serves multiple functions: it provides the primary latching action through the latch arm tip, secondary latching through the latch projection, and structural support for the terminal fitting. This multi-functionality replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate components, simplifying the overall connector structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Force

If additional components like spacers are used, then latch force is sufficient, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatch forceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The latch part is designed to automatically engage both latching positions during the terminal fitting insertion process without requiring additional components or complex assembly steps. The terminal fitting itself activates both latching mechanisms through its insertion motion, simplifying the manufacturing and assembly process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9124018B2Connector and method of making the same

Publication Date: 2015.09.01 YAZAKI CORP

AI summary

There is provided a connector and a method for making the connector preventing escape of a terminal fitting by improving latch force for the terminal fitting over a wide variety of products without inducing upsize or manufacturing cost. The connector comprises a connector housing including a terminal fitting and a terminal housing accommodating the terminal fitting, in which the connector housing includes a wall composing one inner face of the terminal housing, and a latch part latching the terminal fitting, the latch part including a latch arm having a tip extending from a base end disposed the inner face of the wall toward a back side in an insertion direction of the terminal fitting, a latch projection projecting from the latch arm in a direction intersecting the insertion direction.