Connector Locking Lance and Front Retainer Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors face challenges in retaining terminal fittings due to reduced size, which compromises the holding force and structural complexity, especially when trying to minimize the size while maintaining a simple structure.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a deflectable and deformable locking lance with a front retainer that includes a deflection restricting portion and a retaining portion, allowing for a simple structure and preventing rearward detachment of terminal fittings by tilting about a hinge, while also detecting incomplete insertion and reinforcing the hinge's deflection strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the connector is reduced in size, then the overall dimensions are improved, but the holding force of the locking lance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking lance and retainer into an integrated assembly where the retainer is mounted on the housing and works cooperatively with the locking lance. This merging allows the reduced-size locking lance to maintain adequate holding force through the combined action of both components, resolving the contradiction between size reduction and force maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer is configured to approach the terminal fitting in a lateral direction (intersecting the front-rear direction) rather than solely along the insertion axis. This dimensional change in the retaining mechanism provides additional holding capability that compensates for the reduced holding force of the smaller locking lance.
2Volume of moving object
If the connector is reduced in size and the housing structure becomes complicated, then size reduction is achieved, but the retainer cannot be made integral to the housing
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into distinct functional components: the housing, the locking lance, and the retainer. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the housing maintains a relatively simple structure while the retainer is mounted separately to provide the necessary retaining function without complicating the overall housing design.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer serves as an intermediary component between the housing and the terminal fitting. It is mounted on the housing and provides the retaining function without requiring the housing itself to be structurally complex. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by decoupling the retaining function from the housing structure.
3Measurement precision
If the deflection restricting portion strongly interferes with the deflected locking lance, then deflection detection is improved, but the locking lance may be fractured or broken
Solution Approach 1:
The deflection restricting portion is designed to lightly interfere with the deflected locking lance rather than strongly restricting it. This partial action is sufficient to detect incomplete insertion through the retaining portion's early interference, while avoiding the excessive force that would cause fracture or breakage of the locking lance.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining portion is positioned to lightly contact and detect the deflected state of the locking lance before the deflection restricting portion can strongly interfere with it. This beforehand detection prevents the locking lance from being subjected to strong interfering forces that would cause damage, while still providing adequate detection capability.
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 solution effectively retains terminal fittings by preventing rearward detachment and reducing the number of components, maintaining a simple structure, and ensuring early detection of incomplete insertion without fracturing the locking lance, thus enhancing the connector's reliability and stability.
Implementation Method 1
a deflection restricting portion configured to restrict deflection of the locking lance by entering a deflection space for the locking lance
Implementation Method 2
The retaining portion is displaceable about a hinge from an opening state to a closing state and approaches the terminal fitting in a lateral direction intersecting a front-rear direction
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a housing (10) having cavities (13) and deflectable and deformable locking lances (15) project into the cavities (13), and a front retainer (60) to be mounted into the housing (10) from the front. A terminal fitting (50) is inserted into the cavity (13) of the housing (10), and the locking lance (15) resiliently locks a lance receiving portion (54) so that rearward detachment of the terminal fitting (50) is restricted. The front retainer (60) includes a deflection restricting portion (77) configured to restrict the deflection of the locking lances (15), and a retaining portion (69) configured to lock retainer receiving portions (55) and retain the terminal fittings (50) by laterally approaching the terminal fittings (50) by a tilting displacement about a hinge (68) from an opening state to a closing state.