Female Connector Locking Structure for Secure Contact Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connection terminals require complex locking structures and multiple components, leading to increased production costs and reduced productivity due to the need for separate terminal main bodies and contact members, as well as the requirement for jigs to position the contact members accurately.
Innovation Solution
A connection terminal with a simplified locking structure that uses a contact member with arcuate and spherical contacts to secure itself within the female connector, reducing curvature changes during insertion and enhancing durability, while minimizing the number of components and eliminating the need for additional positioning tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional locking structure with separate terminal main body and contact member is used, then the contact member can be locked to the internal space of the female connector, but the number of components increases and production complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact member is integrated directly into the terminal main body as a unified structure, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms. The terminal main body includes an insertion part with a contact holding part that inherently secures the contact member through its integrated design, reducing the number of components while maintaining reliable contact holding.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal main body serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, contains the insertion part for male connector engagement, and includes the integrated contact holding part that secures the contact member. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated locking structures while maintaining secure contact member positioning.
2Reliability
If a conventional locking structure with multiple components is used, then the contact member can be secured, but production time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The contact member and terminal main body are designed as an integrated structure where the contact holding part is formed as one piece with the terminal main body. This integration allows for simplified manufacturing processes and reduces assembly steps, thereby improving production efficiency while ensuring secure contact member positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact holding part is pre-formed as an integral part of the terminal main body during the molding process. This preliminary formation eliminates the need for subsequent assembly operations to install separate locking mechanisms, reducing production time and improving manufacturing efficiency.
3Reliability
If a conventional locking structure with separate components is used, then the contact member can be locked, but the number of production steps and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal main body and contact member are designed as an integrated structure where the contact holding part is formed simultaneously with the terminal main body in a single molding process. This integration eliminates the need for separate manufacturing and assembly steps for locking mechanisms, simplifying the manufacturing process while ensuring reliable contact member fixation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A connection terminal (1) includes a terminal main body (10) having a female connector (30) provided with an internal space (31) into which a male connector (Tm1) is inserted and a contact member (20) accommodated into the internal space (31). The contact member (20) has at least one first locked part (23a) and at least one second locked part (24). The female connector (30) has a first locking part (34a) that is arranged on a side in an insertion direction of the male connector (Tm1) and locks the movement of the first locked part (23a) in the insertion direction, and a second locking part (35a) that is arranged on a side opposite to the side in the insertion direction relative to the second locked part (24) of the contact member (20) after the completion of being accommodated and locks the movement of the second locked part (24) in a removal direction in order to maintain the accommodated state of the contact member (20).