Connector Retainer Rib Guides Terminal Tab
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors with retainers require a large space for the locking lance, which can cause deformation of the terminal fitting's tab during insertion due to the tab inclining and entering the space in front of the locking lance, potentially leading to breakage.
Innovation Solution
A connector design with a front retainer that includes a rib structure, allowing the tab to contact the rib if inclined during insertion, preventing deformation and guiding the tab into the tab insertion hole, thus avoiding contact with the locking lance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large space is provided in front of the locking lance at the partial locking position, then the locking lance can reliably lock the terminal fitting, but the tab may incline and enter this space causing deformation and breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The rib structure acts as an intermediary element between the tab and the locking lance. When the tab inclines during insertion, it contacts the rib which guides it back to the correct position, preventing the tab from entering the space in front of the locking lance and causing deformation or breakage
Solution Approach 2:
The rib structure is positioned in advance to provide preliminary guidance to the tab during insertion. Before the tab can reach the locking lance, the rib corrects any inclination, ensuring proper alignment is established early in the insertion process
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 rib structure in the front retainer prevents tab deformation and ensures easy insertion by guiding the tab into the tab insertion hole, maintaining the tab's integrity and facilitating reliable locking of the terminal fitting.
Implementation Method 1
the locking lance resiliently returns and locks the properly inserted terminal fitting
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a housing (20) and a front retainer (40) to be mounted into the housing (20) from the front. The housing (20) includes locking lances (31) for locking terminal fittings (10) inserted to proper positions. The locking lance (31) is pressed by the terminal fitting (10) and retracted into a deflection space (S1) when the terminal fitting (10) is inserted, and resiliently returns and locks the terminal fitting (10) when the terminal fitting (10) is inserted properly. The front retainer (40) includes deflection restricting portions (42) for restricting deformation of the locking lances (31) by entering the deflection spaces (S1), and includes ribs (45) that can contact and guide a tip of a tab (11) if the tab (11) is inclined during insertion of the terminal fitting (10).