Connector Terminal Guide Plate Structure for Secure Secondary Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors suffer from poor structural strength at the rear end of the mating portion due to an annular structure with an open side, leading to easy deformation and disengagement of terminals from the secondary lock.
Innovation Solution
The terminal design includes a guide plate perpendicular to the top wall and a rear end of one side wall that engages with a rear end of the guide plate or top wall, forming a circumferentially closed annular structure, enhanced by a snap and snap slot mechanism, to improve structural strength and ensure reliable locking by the secondary lock.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the rear end of the mating portion uses an annular structure with an open side, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the structural strength is poor and deformation occurs easily
Solution Approach 1:
The annular structure is segmented into multiple sections (first annular section and second annular section) that can be formed through different manufacturing processes. This allows the structure to maintain manufacturing simplicity while achieving the closed-loop configuration needed for strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The annular structure transitions from a two-dimensional open shape to a three-dimensional closed-loop structure by adding the second annular section that connects the ends of the first annular section. This dimensional completion eliminates the open side weakness while maintaining manufacturability through staged formation.
2Device complexity
If the annular structure has an open side, then the device complexity is reduced, but the terminal easily disengages from the secondary lock
Solution Approach 1:
The locking interaction is segmented into two distinct annular sections that engage with the secondary lock at different positions. This segmentation allows the structure to remain relatively simple while providing multiple engagement points that prevent disengagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The closed-loop annular structure is pre-formed to provide continuous engagement with the secondary lock before any disengagement force is applied. This preliminary structural configuration ensures that the terminal cannot easily脱离 the lock, as the closed loop provides inherent resistance to opening forces.
3Manufacturing precision
If the annular structure is simplified, then the manufacturing precision requirements are reduced, but the structural strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The annular structure is divided into two separately formable sections that can be manufactured with lower individual precision requirements. The first annular section and second annular section can be formed through different manufacturing steps, allowing each section to be produced within standard tolerances while the combined structure achieves the needed strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The two annular sections are merged to form a complete closed-loop structure that provides enhanced strength. By combining two relatively simple-to-manufacture sections into an integrated closed configuration, the overall structure achieves high strength without requiring any single component to be manufactured with extreme precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal includes a mating portion for mating with a mating terminal and a guide plate. The mating portion includes a top wall, a bottom wall opposite the top wall in a height direction of the mating portion, and a pair of side walls opposite in a transverse direction of the mating portion. The guide plate is connected to a side of the top wall and guides insertion of the terminal into a terminal insertion hole of a connector housing in a correct orientation. A step portion adapted to abut against a secondary lock of a connector is formed at a rear end of the mating portion. The guide plate is located above and perpendicular to the top wall. A rear end of one of the side walls engages a rear end of the guide plate and/or a rear end of the top wall.


