Connector Terminal Fitting With Sequential Lock Release for Disassembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors face issues during disassembly as pulling terminal-attached electric wires can lead to the breaking of components, leaving metal and resin parts mixed in the vehicle body frame, complicating disassembly and reducing workability.
Innovation Solution
The connector design includes a terminal fitting with varying locking forces and openings in the counterpart terminals, allowing sequential separation of tab portions from the housing by applying a larger holding force on one end and providing passages for easier disengagement, facilitating easy separation without breaking lances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the connector is designed with uniform locking portions on all tab portions, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but all tab portions separate from the housing simultaneously during disassembly, requiring strong pulling force that breaks lances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different locking portion configurations at different locations of the tab portions. Specifically, tab portions at one end have locking portions with first holding forces, while tab portions at the other end have locking portions with second holding forces that are smaller than the first. This local differentiation enables sequential separation during disassembly, reducing the peak pulling force required and preventing lance breakage.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the housing is removed separately after wire removal, then metal and resin parts are properly separated, but the disassembly process becomes more complex and workability is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the tab portions into two groups based on their locking force characteristics. The tab portions are segmented into those with stronger locking forces (first holding forces) and those with weaker locking forces (second holding forces). This segmentation enables the housing to be pulled away in a controlled manner where weaker locking portions release first, allowing proper part separation without requiring additional disassembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by designing the locking portions with different holding forces that allow the connector to transition from a fully locked state to a partially locked state during disassembly. The dynamic characteristic is that as pulling force is applied, tab portions with smaller holding forces detach first, then subsequent tab portions detach in sequence, creating a progressive disassembly process that is both simple and effective.
3Force
If strong pulling force is applied to remove the housing, then the housing can be separated from the terminal fitting, but lances holding counterpart terminals break and workability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the holding force parameter of the locking portions across different locations. The locking portions are designed with at least two different holding force values: first holding forces for tab portions at one end, and second holding forces for tab portions at the other end, where the second holding forces are smaller than the first. This parameter differentiation ensures that during disassembly, the housing separates with controlled force distribution, preventing lance breakage while maintaining effective separation.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a terminal fitting having a terminal portion in which a plurality of tab portions extends and a contact portion, a housing having a plurality of accommodating chambers in which the tab portions are accommodated, and a plurality of terminal-attached electric wires. The terminal fitting includes a first locking portion provided on the tab portions located from one end of the tab continuous portion to an intermediate position thereof, and a second locking portion provided on the tab portions located from the intermediate position to another end thereof. The first locking portion has a relatively large holding force for holding the tab portion in the accommodation chamber compared to the second locking portion. The counterpart terminal includes a tubular box portion and an opening provided on a side wall of the box portion and having a width through which the tab portion is able to pass.