Connector Locking Lance Warping Prevention via Segmented Restrictions
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Solution Overview
Problem
The reliability of a connector's retaining function is compromised due to warping of the locking lance when the terminal fitting is pulled back, leading to a decrease in shear strength and reliability.
Innovation Solution
The connector features a locking lance with first and second restrictions that engage the receiving portions and open outer surface, respectively, to prevent warping by narrowing the second gap and maintaining the locking lance's rigidity, thereby ensuring the retaining function is not reduced.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the terminal fitting is pulled back while retained by the locking lance, then the locking projection is inserted deeper into the locking hole, but the locking lance warps and the shear strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking lance is divided into multiple functional segments: a locking projection segment for engagement, a warping prevention segment with first restrictions that engage receiving portions, and a second restrictions segment that engages the open outer surface. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently, preventing warping while maintaining retaining capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the locking lance are given different structural properties. The locking projection area maintains flexibility for engagement, while the regions with first and second restrictions provide localized rigidity to prevent warping. The restrictions create localized engagement points that distribute stress and prevent overall lance deformation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the locking lance is made more rigid to prevent warping, then the retaining function is maintained, but the resilient deformability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking lance transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system with controlled flexibility. The first and second restrictions engage with the housing and terminal fitting to provide rigidity when needed, while the spaces between these restrictions allow controlled deformation. This dynamic behavior enables the lance to be rigid during normal operation but flexible during insertion and release.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking lance utilizes a flexible blade-like structure with integrated restrictions rather than a completely rigid component. The flexible nature allows resilient deformation for engagement, while the restrictions provide necessary rigidity to prevent excessive warping. This combines the benefits of flexibility and rigidity in a single integrated structure.
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 suppresses warping of the locking lance, maintaining the connector's retaining function and shear strength even under backward pulling forces, enhancing the overall reliability of the connector.
Implementation Method 1
A locking lance is cantilevered forward along an inner wall surface of the terminal accommodating chamber and is resiliently deformable in directions toward and away from the terminal accommodating chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes two receiving ribs (16) in a housing (10) at opposite sides of a locking lance (12) in a width direction. Two first restrictions (17) are formed on opposite left and right outer side surfaces of the locking lance (12) in the width direction and at a side of the receiving ribs (16) opposite to a terminal accommodating chamber (11) in the resilient deforming direction of the locking lance (12) and held out of contact with the receiving portions (16) when the locking lance (12) is not deformed. Two second restrictions (18) are formed on the opposite left and right outer side surfaces of the locking lance (12), opposed to a bottom surface (32) of a terminal fitting (30) formed with a locking hole (35) and held out of contact with the bottom surface (32) when the locking lance (12) is not deformed.