Connector Locking Lance Buckling Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors with locking lances tend to lose holding force due to buckling under strong tensile forces, compromising the reliability of retaining terminal fittings.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a locking lance made of synthetic resin that deflects resiliently during terminal fitting insertion, with a pressure receiving surface and inclined surface configuration to enhance shear cross-sectional area and prevent buckling, utilizing a deflection regulating portion to maintain holding force even under tensile stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the locking lance is made thinner to enhance buckling strength, then the holding force is improved, but the locking lance becomes more susceptible to buckling under strong tensile forces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a one-dimensional length reduction approach to a two-dimensional area expansion approach. Instead of merely shortening the locking lance length, the patent expands the shear cross-sectional area by creating a virtual shear surface that extends from the contact position through the inclined surface, effectively utilizing dimensional transformation to enhance buckling strength while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the critical parameter from length to area. By defining a virtual shear surface and calculating shear cross-sectional area, the patent transforms the design parameter that governs buckling resistance. This parameter change allows the locking lance to achieve enhanced buckling strength through area expansion rather than length reduction, resolving the contradiction between thinning for strength and preventing buckling under load
2Length of moving object
If the locking lance extends longer to accommodate the terminal fitting, then the locking coverage is improved, but the buckling strength decreases under tensile forces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention resolves the length-strength contradiction by shifting from linear dimension (length) to areal dimension (cross-sectional area). The virtual shear surface creates an effective area that compensates for the extended length, allowing the locking lance to maintain adequate buckling strength while providing sufficient locking coverage for the terminal fitting
3Ease of operation
If the locking lance is deflected more to lock the terminal fitting, then the locking engagement is improved, but the holding force is reduced due to increased buckling risk
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the governing parameter from deflection amount to shear cross-sectional area. By expanding the effective area through the virtual shear surface definition, the patent enables greater deflection for improved locking engagement while maintaining sufficient holding force through the enhanced area that resists buckling under the resulting loads
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 significantly enhances the holding force and reliability of the locking lance by increasing the shear cross-sectional area and preventing buckling, ensuring the terminal fitting remains securely retained.
Implementation Method 1
a locking lance made of synthetic resin is cantilevered forward along an inner wall of the terminal accommodating chamber and is configured to be deflected resiliently in a direction intersecting an inserting direction
Implementation Method 2
A guiding surface is formed on at least one of the pressure receiving surface and the locking portion and is configured to deflect the locking lance in a direction toward the terminal fitting when the locking portion presses the pressure receiving surface
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a pressure receiving surface (16) on a front of a locking lance (12) and a lock (36) on a terminal (30) is configured to lock the pressure receiving surface (16). An inclined surface (15) on a facing surface (13) of the locking lance (12) faces the terminal (30) and is inclined to be more separated from the terminal fitting (30) toward the back. A guiding surface (18) on the pressure receiving surface (16) is configured to deflect the locking lance (12) toward the terminal (30) when the lock (36) presses the pressure receiving surface (16). A contact surface (21) behind the pressure receiving surface (16) on the locking lance (12) faces the terminal (30). A deflection regulating portion (38) behind the lock (36) on the terminal (30) faces the contact surface (21) while being spaced apart parallel to a resilient deflecting direction of the locking lance (12).