Connector Retainer Locking Structure for Assembly Error Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The retainer in existing connectors can be inadvertently attached to the housing in an assembly failure state of the terminal member, leading to defective products due to potential deformation of the terminal member and improper assembly.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a terminal member with a protruding portion having a locking end surface that increases buckling strength, preventing the retainer from being attached in an assembly failure state by distributing the load across lateral sidewalls, and incorporating a cantilevered lance piece for additional locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the retainer is pushed with strong force during assembly, then the retainer can be attached to the housing, but the terminal member may be deformed and the assembly state cannot be verified
Solution Approach 1:
The protruding portion is designed to preemptively prevent incorrect assembly by creating mechanical interference. When the terminal member is not in the correct position, the protruding portion blocks the retainer from being fully inserted, thereby preventing deformation before it occurs and providing clear feedback on assembly correctness.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure enables self-verification of assembly correctness. The protruding portion automatically indicates whether the terminal member is properly positioned by either allowing smooth retainer insertion (correct assembly) or creating interference (incorrect assembly), eliminating the need for external verification mechanisms.
2Ease of manufacture
If the retainer moves onto the terminal member before attachment, then the retainer can be attached to the housing, but the terminal member may be deformed
Solution Approach 1:
The protruding portion creates preliminary resistance to retainer movement. By designing the protruding portion to engage with the retainer only when the terminal member is correctly positioned, the structure prevents the retainer from moving onto and deforming the terminal member during the assembly process.
3Device complexity
If no protruding portion is provided, then the structure is simpler, but the retainer cannot prevent attachment in assembly failure states
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal member is segmented into functional portions, including the protruding portion that serves a specific protective function. This segmentation allows the protruding portion to independently verify assembly correctness and prevent defective assembly without requiring complex additional mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The protruding portion acts as an intermediary element between the terminal member and the retainer. It mediates the interaction by providing mechanical interference when assembly is incorrect, thereby preventing the retainer from being attached in failure states without requiring complex control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a housing defining a terminal holding chamber extending in a prescribed direction, a terminal member inserted to the terminal holding chamber along a prescribed insertion direction, and a retainer attached to the housing by being inserted to the housing along a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction so as to engage with a locking portion of the terminal member and thereby prevent the terminal member from coming off, wherein the terminal member is a bent article made of a plate material including a protruding portion having a top portion on one side in the direction along which the retainer is inserted to the housing, and the protruding portion has an end surface facing in the insertion direction of the terminal member and constituting the locking portion.