Connector Housing Lock Support to Prevent Terminal Module Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors fail to reliably prevent the separation of terminal modules from their accommodation spaces within the housing, leading to potential disconnection and performance degradation.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a housing body with a lock portion and a cover with a holding projection, where the lock portion is tapered to prevent deflection and deformation, and a preventing wall is used to restrict separation, ensuring the terminal module remains securely in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lock portion is provided in the housing body to restrict separation of the terminal module, then the reliability of preventing separation is improved, but the lock portion may deflect or deform under load reducing its effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The holding projection acts as an intermediary element between the cover and the lock portion. It transfers and distributes the forces acting on the lock portion to the cover, preventing deflection and deformation of the lock portion while maintaining its reliability in restricting terminal module separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding projection is pre-positioned on the cover to provide preliminary support to the lock portion before any separation force is applied. This preliminary action prevents the lock portion from deflecting or deforming when the terminal module is inserted or when separation forces occur.
2Device complexity
If the housing structure is simplified without a cover, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to prevent terminal module separation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cover serves multiple functions: it protects the accommodation space, provides mounting positions for holding projections that support lock portions, and contributes to the overall structural integrity of the housing. This multi-functionality allows the cover to be an integral part of the retention system rather than a separate protective element.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the lock portion is made more rigid to prevent deflection, then the stability of the lock portion is improved, but the ease of assembly and manufacturing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The support function for the lock portion is segmented from the lock portion itself and assigned to the holding projection on the cover. This segmentation allows the lock portion to be manufactured with standard rigidity while the cover with the holding projection provides the additional support needed to prevent deflection under load.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector (10) includes a terminal module (30) including a terminal fitting (31) to be connected to a wire (33), and a housing (20) for accommodating the terminal module (30). The housing (20) includes a housing body (60) having an accommodation space (S1) for accommodating the terminal module (30) and a cover (70) for covering the accommodation space (S1). The housing body (60) includes a lock portion (162) for restricting separation of the terminal module (30) from the accommodation space (S1). The cover (70) includes a holding projection (75) for restricting deflection and deformation of the lock portion (162).