L-Shaped Connector Strain Relief for Pull-Resistant Cable Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing L-shaped connector design is prone to damage when a shielded cable is pulled downward, causing the connected part of the cable and terminal to detach from the L-shaped terminal.
Innovation Solution
A connector with a terminal module and housing that includes a strain relief portion to sandwich the wire in a bent state, preventing damage by distributing the pulling force and ensuring the wire and terminal fitting remain connected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the shielded cable is drawn out from the lower end of the inner housing without strain relief, then the cable can be easily connected and routed, but the connected part of the cable and terminal may be damaged when the cable is pulled
Solution Approach 1:
The strain relief portion is formed in advance within the housing body during manufacturing, creating a pre-configured wire routing path with bending sections. This preliminary structural preparation ensures that when wires are routed through this pre-formed strain relief structure, any pulling forces are automatically directed along the predetermined bent path, preventing direct transmission of pull forces to the terminal connection points and thus protecting the connections while maintaining ease of wire installation
Solution Approach 2:
The strain relief portion acts as an intermediary element between the wire and the terminal connection. By introducing this intermediate bent routing structure, the patent creates a buffer zone that absorbs and redirects pulling forces. The bent wire configuration within the strain relief portion serves as a mechanical intermediary that decouples the external pull force from the critical terminal connection, allowing the wire to be pulled without directly stressing the crimped connection points
2Device complexity
If the wire is routed straight from the terminal module without bending, then the wire routing is simple, but the pulling force directly affects the connected part of the wire and terminal fitting
Solution Approach 1:
The strain relief portion is formed with a curved or bent configuration rather than a straight line. This curvature creates a natural strain relief mechanism where the bent wire path absorbs pulling forces through the arc of the bend. The curved routing path allows the wire to flex and absorb mechanical stress, preventing direct transmission of pull forces to the terminal connections while maintaining a relatively simple overall housing structure
Solution Approach 2:
The strain relief portion is pre-formed within the housing body during manufacturing, creating a built-in bent routing path before wires are installed. This preliminary structural feature eliminates the need for complex external wire management systems or additional strain relief components, as the housing itself provides the curved protective path that distributes pulling forces away from critical connection points
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 strain relief mechanism effectively suppresses damage to the connected parts of the wire and terminal fitting, maintaining the integrity of the connection even when the wire is pulled.
Implementation Method 1
the housing body and the cover being provided with a strain relief portion for sandwiching the wire in the routing space in a bent state
Data Source
AI summary
A connector (10) includes a terminal module (30) including a terminal fitting (31) to be connected to a wire (33) and a housing (20) for accommodating the terminal module (30). The housing (20) includes a housing body (60) having an accommodation space (S1) for accommodating the terminal module (30), and a cover (70) for covering the accommodation space (S1), a routing space (S2) for routing the wire (33) being provided between the cover (70) and the housing body (60). The wire (33) routed in the routing space (S2) is drawn out from the housing (20). The housing body (60) and the cover (70) include a strain relief portion (80) for sandwiching the wire (33) in the routing space (S2) in a bent state.