Connector Retainer Backlash Elimination for Terminal Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors with retainer locking mechanisms do not effectively restrict relative displacement at the partial locking position, leading to potential interference with terminal fittings during insertion.
Innovation Solution
The connector features backlash eliminating portions on the retainer and housing that contact each other at the partial locking position, preventing relative displacement and ensuring smooth terminal fitting insertion, while also simplifying the housing shape with guide ribs serving as backlash eliminating surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connection structures are provided only at the full locking position, then the locking function is achieved, but relative displacement occurs at the partial locking position causing interference with terminal fitting insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is divided into two separate components: connection structures for the full locking position and backlash eliminating portions for the partial locking position. This segmentation allows each component to independently address displacement control at its specific locking stage without interfering with the other, ensuring smooth terminal fitting insertion at the partial locking position while maintaining reliable locking at the full locking position.
Solution Approach 2:
The backlash eliminating portions are designed to eliminate relative displacement between the retainer and housing before the terminal fitting insertion is complete. By preemptively eliminating backlash at the partial locking position, the system prevents potential interference with terminal fitting insertion, ensuring smooth operation throughout the entire insertion process.
2Ease of operation
If additional backlash eliminating portions are added to the retainer and housing, then relative displacement is restricted at the partial locking position, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The backlash eliminating portions are merged with the existing connection structures and housing components. The guide ribs on the housing serve dual purposes: providing structural guidance and functioning as backlash eliminating surfaces. This integration allows the system to eliminate relative displacement at the partial locking position without adding separate, independent components, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide ribs and connection structures are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: structural support, alignment guidance, and backlash elimination. By making these existing components multi-functional, the patent avoids the need for additional dedicated backlash eliminating components, thus restricting relative displacement at the partial locking position while keeping the overall device complexity manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
A female connector (F) includes a retainer (30) to be housed into a mounting hole (14) and selectively mounted, in a housing (10), at a partial locking position for allowing insertion of terminal fittings (50) and a full locking position for locking already inserted terminal fittings (50). A base (33) is at a rear end of the retainer (30) in a mounting direction into the housing (10) and is located outside a mounting hole (14) when the retainer (30) is at the partial locking position. Backlash eliminating portions (21, 22, 41, 42) are formed on the base (33) and in the housing (10) and are configured to restrict a relative displacement of the retainer (30) with respect to the housing (10) when the retainer (30) is at the partial locking position.