Electrical Connector Terminal Locking for 180° Rotated Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors fail to securely hold APEX ®< 2.8 series terminals when inserted by rotating 180° around a horizontal axis, compromising mechanical stability and durability due to interference from stepped surfaces.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector design featuring latches and protrusions that cooperate with opposing locking holes on terminals, allowing secure positioning regardless of insertion direction, combined with an elastically deformable retainer for enhanced stability and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stepped surfaces are used to hold electrical terminals in position, then terminal position assurance is achieved for standard insertion, but terminals rotated 180° cannot be securely held due to interference from the stepped surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into two distinct components: a latch extending over the bottom wall and protrusions on the retainer. Each component targets a specific locking hole (first or second) on the terminal, allowing independent engagement with either orientation of the terminal. This segmentation enables the system to handle both standard and rotated insertions reliably.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch and protrusions are designed to cooperatively engage with either the first or second locking holes on the terminal depending on insertion orientation. This multi-functional design allows the same locking mechanism to securely hold terminals regardless of whether they are inserted in the standard orientation or rotated 180°, achieving universal compatibility with both insertion directions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a retainer is used to hold terminals in the first direction, then lateral position assurance is achieved, but terminals inserted in rotated orientation cannot be properly secured
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer incorporates protrusions that work in conjunction with the latch to engage with the locking holes on rotated terminals. This segmentation allows the retainer to perform its lateral stabilization function while the protrusions specifically address the retention of rotated terminals by engaging with the appropriate locking hole.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusions act as intermediary elements between the retainer and the locking holes on rotated terminals. They mediate the engagement process, allowing the retainer to securely hold terminals in the first direction while also enabling proper engagement with terminals inserted in rotated orientation through the latch-protrusion-locking hole interaction.
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
Ensures mechanical stability, security, and durability by securely holding terminals in any insertion direction, improving vibration resistance and retention force while allowing for reliable performance in diverse environments.
Implementation Method 1
a retainer (5), pivotally mounted on the top wall (30) about a rotating axis (RA) parallel to the first direction (FD)
Implementation Method 2
the retainer (5) is elastically deformable to allow bending about the rotating axis (RA) between the locked position and the unlocked position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
An electrical connector (1), including: - a set of electrical terminals (2), each electrical terminal (2) comprising opposing first and second surfaces (20, 21) having first and second locking holes (200, 210) respectively; - a housing (3), comprising: a chamber, arranged to receive the set of electrical terminals (2) along a reception direction (RD), the chamber having a top wall (30), a bottom wall (31), and side walls (32); the side walls (32) are arranged successively inside the chamber in a first direction (FD) perpendicular to the reception direction (RD) to define locations (320), each location (320) is dedicated for one electrical terminal (2) of the set; the top wall (30) having an opening (300) arranged to allow access to the locations (320); each location (320) having a latch (4) designed to cooperate with both the first and second locking holes (200, 210) so as to hold in position the corresponding electrical terminal (2) in the reception direction (RD), the latch (4) extending over the bottom wall (31) in the corresponding location (320); a retainer (5), pivotally mounted on the top wall (30) about a rotating axis (RA) parallel to the first direction (FD) between: a locked position, wherein the retainer (5) is engaged in the opening (300), an unlocked position, wherein the retainer (5) is disengaged from the opening (300); the retainer (5) having protrusions (50) designed to cooperate with both the first and second locking holes (200, 210) so that the retainer (5) in the locked position holds in position the set of electrical terminals (2) in the first direction (FD).