Terminal Locking Lance Structure for Higher Connector Holding Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gaps form between the locking lance and the accommodation chamber during molding, reducing the width of the lance and making it difficult to achieve a sufficient holding force for the terminal fitting.
Innovation Solution
The housing and terminal locking portion are made of different resin materials, allowing for two-color molding and ensuring a larger width for the locking lance, which is resiliently deformable, and includes fixing portions for stable fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the locking lance width is increased to improve holding force, then the holding force for terminal fitting is improved, but the female housing size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a resin material for the housing with a metal material for the locking lance. This allows the locking lance to have sufficient width and strength for holding force without increasing the overall housing size, as the metal material provides higher strength-to-weight ratio and structural integrity compared to resin alone.
2Volume of stationary object
If the locking lance width is reduced to minimize housing size, then the housing size is reduced, but the holding force for terminal fitting becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials with metal locking lance embedded in resin housing. The metal material enables the locking lance to maintain adequate width within reduced housing dimensions while providing sufficient holding force through superior mechanical properties of metal compared to resin.
3Reliability
If the locking lance is made resiliently deformable to improve locking reliability, then the locking reliability is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid to resiliently deformable by using metal material with appropriate elastic properties. This allows the locking lance to deform elastically during locking operation, improving reliability through automatic adjustment and stress distribution without requiring complex mechanical structures.
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
This configuration enhances the holding force for the terminal fitting by ensuring a maximally large width for the locking lance and stabilizes the terminal locking portion, while reducing the need for separate assembly processes.
Implementation Method 1
a locking lance for locking the terminal fitting, the locking lance being provided on one side surface of the cavity resiliently deformably in a direction intersecting a width direction of the side surface
Data Source
AI summary
It is aimed to provide a connector capable of improving a force for holding a terminal fitting by a locking lance. A connector (10) is provided with a housing (20), a terminal locking portion (50) defining a cavity (70) together with the housing (20), and a terminal fitting (90) to be arranged in the cavity (70). The terminal locking portion (50) includes a locking lance (51) for locking the terminal fitting (90). The locking lance (51) is provided on one side surface of the cavity (70) resiliently deformably in a direction intersecting a width direction of the side surface. The housing (20) and the terminal locking portion (50) are made of mutually different materials.