Connector Housing Secondary Locking for Multi-Level Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors face challenges in securing terminals robustly and economically, particularly in connectors with multiple terminal levels, where secondary securing mechanisms are often complex and difficult to implement.
Innovation Solution
A connector housing design featuring a first housing with terminal chambers and a second housing with a secondary locking projection, allowing terminals to be plugged together translationally and rotationally, with the secondary locking projection securing multiple terminals indirectly or directly, enhancing stability and ease of assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single secondary locking projection is used to secure multiple terminals, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but the reliability of individual terminal securing may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connector housing is divided into first housing and second housing with distinct functions. The second housing contains the secondary locking projection that acts independently from the primary locking mechanisms in the first housing, creating segmented locking zones that reduce overall complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary locking projection in the second housing serves multiple terminals simultaneously through a single structural element. This multi-functional design simplifies the securing mechanism by replacing multiple individual locking elements with one universal locking projection that engages with multiple terminals across different levels
2Ease of manufacture
If terminals are locked in multiple levels through a single secondary locking projection, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the manufacturing precision required for each individual terminal positioning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from planar (2D) to three-dimensional (3D) space. The secondary locking projection extends vertically to engage terminals in multiple levels simultaneously, adding a height dimension to the locking action. This dimensional change allows a single projection to secure multiple terminals across different vertical positions without requiring complex multi-component mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The second housing is received within or alongside the first housing, creating a nested or integrated structure. The secondary locking projection is embedded in the second housing and extends to engage terminals in the first housing, allowing the locking mechanism to be nested within the overall connector assembly while maintaining precise engagement with multiple terminal levels
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a connector housing (10) for an electrical connector (10), in particular for a vehicle door or a vehicle hatch of a motor vehicle, comprising a first housing (100) for a plurality of electrical terminals and at least a second housing (200) also for a plurality of electrical terminals, wherein the two housings (100, 200) are configured to be able to be plugged together in a translational manner, and the second housing (200) has at least one secondary locking projection (210), wherein the first housing (100) is configured in such a way that, by means of a single secondary locking projection (210), at least two terminals of the first housing (100) may be locked indirectly or directly in a secondary manner.