Connector Retainer Structure for Stable Primary Terminal Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors lack sufficient holding force in the primary locking state, leading to potential rattling and release of the terminal, especially when the electric wire is pulled or swayed, which can cause the terminal to come off.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a retainer that can be displaced between first and second positions, with cantilevered pressing pieces and protrusions to stabilize the terminal, providing dual locking points through the box-like portion and protrusion engagement, enhancing the primary locking state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the terminal fitting is retained only by the lance of the retainer in the primary locking state, then the structure is simple, but the holding force is insufficient and the terminal can move in directions orthogonal to insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented into two distinct mechanisms: the lance provides primary locking retention, while the locking step portion provides secondary positional stability. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in a specific aspect of retention, with the lance handling axial retention and the locking step portion handling orthogonal positioning, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and sufficient holding force.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking step portion extends in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction, creating a new dimensional constraint. This additional dimensional control prevents the terminal fitting from moving laterally while maintaining the simplicity of the primary lance-based retention system, thus improving reliability without significantly increasing complexity.
2Device complexity
If the terminal fitting is retained only by the lance of the retainer, then the structure is simple, but the terminal posture is unstable and rattling occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization function is segmented between the lance (primary retention) and the locking step portion (posture stabilization). The locking step portion specifically addresses posture stability by providing a mechanical stop that prevents lateral movement and rattling, while the lance maintains its simple retention function.
Solution Approach 2:
By introducing the locking step portion that extends orthogonal to the insertion direction, the system adds dimensional control for posture stability. This prevents the terminal fitting from tilting or rattling while maintaining overall structural simplicity through the modular addition of this stabilizing feature.
3Reliability
If the retainer is displaced from the first position to the second position, then the hooking between the protrusion portion and the rear end of the box-like portion is increased for final locking, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is designed with dynamic displacement capability, allowing it to move between two positions. In the first position, the lance provides primary retention. When displaced to the second position, the protrusion portion engages with the rear end of the box-like portion for enhanced final locking. This dynamic adjustment enables strong final locking while keeping the mechanism relatively simple through controlled movement rather than complex multi-component systems.
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 primary locking state is stabilized, preventing the terminal from coming off even when the electric wire is pulled or swayed, with increased holding force and reduced rattling.
Implementation Method 1
the box-like portion inserted in the accommodating hole is pushed by the pressing piece and displaced in the crossing direction
Implementation Method 2
The retainer is displaced from the first position to the second position so as to increase hooking between the protrusion portion and the rear end of the box-like portion
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes: terminal that includes a box-like portion, into which a mating terminal is inserted; a housing that has an accommodating hole accommodating the box-like portion; and a retainer that is attached to the housing in a manner to be displaceable in a crossing direction, which crosses with a direction in which the box-like portion is inserted. A pressing piece is formed on an upper surface of the accommodating hole, and a protrusion is formed on the lower surface. The retainer includes a protrusion portion. When the retainer is positioned on the first position, the box-like portion is allowed to be inserted into the accommodating hole and the portion is pushed by the pressing piece and displaced in the crossing direction so as to make a step portion of the box-like portion be retained and a rear end of the box-like portion be retained, producing a primary locking state.