Automotive Connector Reverse Insertion Prevention via Recessed Groove
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for wire harnesses in automobiles face challenges in preventing reverse terminal insertion while maintaining a low insertion force, as the integral rib on the lance increases the deformation force and rigidity, leading to increased insertion force requirements.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a terminal with elastic curl portions and a connector housing with a recessed groove on the second wall, where the groove width is smaller than the terminal's base plate, and a flexible locking piece that restricts reverse insertion by contacting the elastic curl portions with a contact surface, eliminating the need for an integral rib on the lance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rib is integrally formed with the lance to prevent reverse insertion, then reverse insertion prevention is improved, but terminal insertion force increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reverse insertion prevention function is segmented from the lance structure. Instead of adding a rib to the lance, the patent uses a separate recessed groove structure formed on the connector housing that works with the lance to achieve reverse insertion prevention without increasing the lance's rigidity or insertion force.
Solution Approach 2:
The recessed groove acts as an intermediary structure between the lance and the terminal. It provides a contact surface for the elastic curl portions during reverse insertion, enabling the prevention function without requiring structural modifications to the lance itself.
2Reliability
If the lance is made more rigid to prevent reverse insertion, then locking reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function and reverse insertion prevention function are segmented into separate structural elements. The lance maintains its flexibility for easy operation, while the recessed groove structure provides the rigid contact surface needed for reliable reverse insertion prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The recessed groove is strategically positioned and dimensioned to provide localized rigid support exactly where needed for reverse insertion prevention, while leaving the lance itself flexible and easy to operate during normal terminal insertion.
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
This design effectively prevents reverse terminal insertion and reduces the terminal insertion force, ensuring secure locking without excessive deformation force, thus enhancing the connector's functionality and usability.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of elastic curl portions that are formed at two sides of the base plate portion and face each other from a front side to a rear side of the terminal
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a terminal having a base plate portion and a pair of elastic curl portions, a connector housing having a terminal accommodating chamber, a flexible locking piece provided on a first wall of facing walls of the terminal accommodating chamber, a recessed groove provided on a second wall of the facing walls, extends from a rear side of the connector housing toward a front side of the connector housing along a terminal insertion direction of the terminal, and has a groove width smaller than a width of the base plate portion, and a contact surface formed at a front end portion of the recessed groove. When the terminal is reversely inserted, tip end contact portions of the elastic curl portions are brought into contact with the contact surface to prevent the terminal from being inserted further.