Integrated Connector Lock and Terminal Retainer Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art connector assemblies, consisting of two separate pieces, often lead to improper assembly and increased inspection steps during the connector engagement process, causing issues for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in assembly plants.
Innovation Solution
A single-piece connector assembly with a connector body, integral terminal retainer, and connector lock, featuring arcuate beams and a flexible hinge, which secures the terminal retainer and protects it from damage by limiting rotation and preventing overstressing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If two separate pieces are used for connector assembly (connector body and separate lock/retainer piece), then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but assembly complexity increases and improper assembly occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the connector body, terminal retainer, and connector lock into a single integrated piece. The terminal retainer and connector lock are formed as integral portions of the connector body, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps and reducing the risk of improper assembly while maintaining manufacturing flexibility through single-piece molding or forming processes.
2Ease of manufacture
If two separate pieces are used for connector assembly, then ease of manufacture is improved, but additional inspection steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the terminal retainer and connector lock into the connector body as a single piece, the patent eliminates assembly errors that would require inspection. The integral structure ensures proper positioning and engagement without the need for additional quality control steps, reducing time loss while maintaining ease of manufacture.
3Device complexity
If terminal retainer is not protected, then device complexity is reduced, but terminal retainer damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The connector lock is formed as an integral portion of the connector body and serves a dual function: securing the connector assembly and protecting the terminal retainer. The arcuate beams of the connector lock physically shield the terminal retainer from external forces and damage while maintaining structural simplicity and enhancing reliability simultaneously.
4Ease of operation
If connector lock does not limit rotation, then ease of operation is improved, but terminal retainer overstressing occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated connector lock with arcuate beams is designed to naturally limit the rotation of the terminal retainer during connector engagement. This geometric constraint prevents overstressing of the terminal retainer while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive connector assembly and disassembly motions.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly includes a connector body, a terminal retainer configured to retain a terminal within the connector body when the terminal retainer is in a fully staged position, and a connector lock configured to secure the connector body to a corresponding mating connector assembly. The terminal retainer moves from a pre-staged position to the fully staged position as the connector body is mated with the corresponding mating connector assembly.