Connector Terminal Protrusion Layout for Stronger Housing Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing terminal fittings struggle with inadequate holding force when inserted into a housing, necessitating an improvement in the locking mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A terminal fitting design featuring protrusions projecting in an intersecting direction from the terminal body, with varying projection amounts and angles of inclination, allowing for enhanced locking and deformation of the housing wall to improve holding force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional terminal fittings with uniform protrusions are used, then the structure is simple, but the holding force is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the projection amounts of different protrusions along the axial direction. Specifically, protrusions on the rear side have larger projection amounts than those on the front side, creating non-uniform local characteristics that optimize the locking effect at different positions within the insertion hole, thereby improving overall holding force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements asymmetry by designing protrusions with different projection amounts based on their axial position. The rear protrusions are designed with larger projection amounts compared to front protrusions, creating an asymmetric configuration that enhances the locking mechanism's effectiveness in resisting withdrawal forces.
2Strength
If protrusions with larger projection amounts are used, then the locking effect is improved, but the insertion resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the projection amounts of different protrusions along the axial direction. Specifically, protrusions on the rear side have larger projection amounts than those on the front side, creating non-uniform local characteristics that optimize the locking effect at different positions within the insertion hole, thereby improving overall holding force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by designing the protrusion configuration in advance to balance locking effectiveness and insertion ease. The varying projection amounts are pre-configured so that smaller front protrusions facilitate easier insertion while larger rear protrusions provide stronger locking, optimizing the overall insertion and retention process.
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 design enhances the holding force of the terminal fitting within the housing by ensuring secure locking and reduced insertion resistance through optimized protrusion configurations.
Implementation Method 1
the wall portion deformed by being pushed and expanded by the protrusions enters behind the rear surfaces of the protrusions
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal fitting 10 is provided with a terminal body portion 11 extending in an axial direction and a plurality of protrusions 20, 30 and 40 projecting in an intersecting direction intersecting the axial direction from the terminal body portion 11. The plurality of protrusions 20, 30 and 40 are arranged side by side in the axial direction and each protrusion has a top surface 21, 31, 41 along the axial direction, a front surface 22, 32, 42 inclined toward a front side in the axial direction from the top surface 21, 31, 41 and a rear surface 23, 33, 43 inclined toward a rear side in the axial direction from the top surface 21, 31, 41. Projection amounts of the plurality of protrusions 20, 30 and 40 in the intersecting direction are larger for the protrusions more on the rear side in the axial direction.