Connector Spacer Locking and Regulating Terminals
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors for vehicles struggle to accommodate and retain a large number of terminals of various types effectively, lacking the necessary adaptability and security features.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring elastically deformable lances and a spacer system that locks and regulates terminals within their respective slots, ensuring secure retention and efficient use of space, with recesses and projections facilitating proper alignment and interlocking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional connector design with basic terminal slots is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot effectively retain terminals of various types and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs different types of terminal receiving slots (first type and second type) with distinct structures to accommodate different terminal types. Each slot type has specific retention mechanisms (lances for second type, lock parts for first type) tailored to its function, allowing the connector to handle various terminal sizes and shapes effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer component performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides lock parts for retaining first terminals, regulation parts for controlling lance deformation, and structural support for maintaining slot alignment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity
2Reliability
If elastically deformable lances are added to lock terminals, then terminal retention is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lances are designed as elastically deformable components that dynamically adjust during terminal insertion. They deform to allow terminal passage and then spring back to lock the terminal in place, providing reliable retention through dynamic mechanical action rather than static complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The lances utilize their own elastic properties to perform the locking function without requiring external actuators or additional complex mechanisms. The deformation and recovery of the lance material itself provides the retention force, simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliability
3Reliability
If multiple regulation parts are added to control lance deformation, then terminal locking reliability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The regulation parts are integrated into the spacer structure, combining the functions of spacing, support, and lance deformation control into a single component. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the assembly process while maintaining reliable control over lance deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The regulation parts act as intermediaries between the lances and the terminal receiving slots, controlling lance deformation through mechanical interaction. This intermediary function allows precise control of the locking mechanism without requiring complex external control systems
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 connector effectively retains terminals of different sizes and types, preventing escape and optimizing internal space, even under varying insertion conditions, while allowing for efficient assembly and secure electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
a lance provided on a wall surface of the second terminal receiving slot and being elastically deformable between a lock position and a release position
Data Source
AI summary
In a connector, a spacer includes lock parts and regulation parts. Each of the lock parts locks a first terminal in a first terminal receiving slot after the first terminal is inserted into a proper position in the first terminal receiving slot. Each of the regulation parts regulates deformation of a second lance toward a release position when the second lance is located in a lock position in which the second lance locks a second terminal in a second terminal receiving slot after the second terminal is inserted into a proper position in the second terminal receiving slot.