Connector Locking Lance with Segmented Contact Portions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors fail to reliably detect insufficiently inserted terminal fittings and release locked states without damaging the locking lance, leading to impaired detection and unlocking functions.
Innovation Solution
The connector design features first and second contact portions at different positions on the locking lance, allowing the retainer to detect insufficient insertion and the jig to release the lock without interference, ensuring both functions operate reliably even if one contact portion is damaged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the retainer and jig contact the same position on the leading end of the locking lance, then the structure is simple, but the retainer may collide with and damage the leading end of the locking lance, impairing both detection and unlocking functions
Solution Approach 1:
The locking lance is divided into functionally distinct contact portions: a first contact portion for retainer interaction (detection function) and a second contact portion for jig interaction (unlocking function). This segmentation separates the previously overlapping contact zones, preventing collision between retainer and jig while maintaining structural simplicity through integrated design.
2Ease of operation
If the locking lance is made resiliently deformable to enable unlocking, then the unlocking function is achieved, but the locking lace may be damaged by collision with the retainer or jig, impairing long-term reliability
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the locking lace are designed with differentiated local properties: the first contact portion has structural characteristics optimized for retainer contact and detection, while the second contact portion is configured for jig contact and unlocking. This local differentiation ensures that the resilient deformation required for unlocking does not compromise the detection function, and prevents damage concentration at a single critical point.
3Measurement precision
If the retainer is positioned to detect insufficient insertion by contacting the locking lance, then the detection function is achieved, but the retainer may interfere with the jig's ability to contact the locking lace for unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
The contact portions are positioned at different locations along the locking lance's length, creating spatial separation in the insertion direction. The first contact portion is positioned to engage during insertion for detection, while the second contact portion remains accessible for unlocking operations. This dimensional separation along the lance's length allows both detection and unlocking functions to operate independently without interference.
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 design ensures reliable detection of insufficient insertion and proper unlocking, preventing damage to the locking lance and maintaining operational integrity by separating contact portions and using inclined surfaces for guided deformation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one resiliently deformable locking lance projecting at the cavity for locking the terminal fitting
Data Source
AI summary
A retainer (50) is mounted into a housing (20). The retainer (50) can be inserted into a deformation space (26) for the locking lance (25) when a terminal fitting (80) is inserted properly into a cavity (22) and thus restricts deformation of a locking lance (25) to lock the locking lance (25). On the other hand, the retainer (50) contacts the resiliently deformed locking lance (25) to prevent any further insertion of the retainer (50) when the terminal fitting (80) is in an insufficiently inserted state in the cavity (22). First and second contact portions (31, 32) are provided at different positions of the locking lance (25) with which the retainer (50) contacts the first contact portions (31) when the terminal fitting (80) is inserted insufficiently in the cavity (22). A jig (100) contacts the second contact portion (32) to release a locked state of the terminal fitting (80).