Connector Terminal Protection via Segmented Housing Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connector designs face complexity in mold fabrication due to integrated insert molding of both the terminal protecting member and housing, and there is a risk of detachment of the terminal protecting portion when a prying force is applied during connection and separation.
Innovation Solution
A connector design where the terminal member and housing are formed separately, with the terminal protecting portion including side edge covering portions that fit into a recess in the housing, providing contact in directions intersecting the connecting direction to prevent detachment, and a housing with a fitting tube portion that includes a side opening to enhance stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the terminal protecting portion and housing are formed by individual molding, then the mold complexity is reduced and manufacturing flexibility is improved, but the risk of detachment of the terminal protecting portion from the terminal body increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate components (terminal protecting portion and housing) that are individually molded and then assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using simpler molds, while the assembly process creates functional integration through the fit between the terminal protecting portion and housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal protecting portion is fitted into the housing in a nested arrangement, where the terminal protecting portion is received within the housing structure. This nesting provides mechanical support and prevents detachment while maintaining the benefits of separate manufacturing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the terminal protecting portion is separately formed from the housing, then design changes can be made independently, but the terminal protecting portion may detach when prying force is applied during connection and separation
Solution Approach 1:
The design allows independent modification of the terminal protecting portion and housing through separate manufacturing processes. Each component can be redesigned or updated without affecting the other, enabling flexible adaptation to different requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal protecting portion is nested within the housing structure, providing mechanical support that resists prying forces during connection and separation operations while maintaining design independence.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector is provided with a terminal member including a conductive terminal body in the form of a wide flat plate and a terminal protecting portion mounted on the terminal body, and a housing provided separately from the terminal member and including a terminal holding portion for holding the terminal member. The terminal protecting portion includes a pair of side edge covering portions for partially covering parts of both side surfaces in a front-back direction of the terminal body. The terminal holding portion is provided with a terminal insertion recess through which the terminal member is to be fit. The side edge covering portions are so fit in the terminal insertion recess as to be able to contact the terminal holding portion with the terminal member fit in the terminal insertion recess and assembled with the terminal holding portion.