Connector Terminal Locking Lance with Three Beaks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors suffer from excessive deflection and weak holding force of terminals due to single beak engagement, leading to potential collisions and poor electrical contact when subjected to twisting forces.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a flexible lance with three beaks arranged in a plate shape, providing enhanced rigidity and elasticity through slits, which engage with lock holes at three positions, preventing terminal deflection and improving holding force by distributing engagement forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single beak is used in the lance to engage with the terminal, then the device complexity is reduced, but the holding force becomes weak and the terminal deflection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single beak is segmented into three separate beaks arranged in the width direction. Each beak engages with a corresponding lock hole on the terminal, distributing the holding force across multiple engagement points. This segmentation increases the total holding force while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single beak is used in the lance, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the terminal stability deteriorates under twisting forces
Solution Approach 1:
The single beak structure is divided into three beaks spaced across the width of the lance. This segmentation provides multiple engagement points that resist twisting forces applied to the terminal, significantly improving stability while keeping the manufacturing process relatively simple through stamping or molding.
Solution Approach 2:
The beaks are arranged in the width direction (transverse dimension) rather than only in the longitudinal direction. This dimensional arrangement creates a broader engagement footprint that effectively resists twisting moments and stabilizes the terminal against lateral forces.
3Device complexity
If a single beak engagement is used, then the device structure is simplified, but the terminal deflection in transverse direction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single engagement point is segmented into three engagement points across the width of the terminal. This distribution of engagement points constrains the terminal more effectively, preventing excessive deflection in the transverse direction while maintaining a simple overall engagement mechanism.
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 effectively suppresses terminal deflection and enhances holding force, preventing violent collisions during connector fitting and ensuring stable electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible lance configured to, when the terminal is inserted into the terminal accommodation chamber from the rearward thereof, be pushed by the terminal so as to be temporarily deformed to the outer side of an insertion path for the terminal, then, at a stage that the terminal has been inserted to a position determined by the stopper, be restored from the deformation state so that beaks engage with lock holes of the terminal
Data Source
AI summary
A front portion of a terminal is provided with a flattened-rectangular tube-shaped box part for receiving a male tab terminal so as to establish contact and conduction thereto. Then, lock holes are provided at three parts of the center in the width direction of the box part and vicinities of both ends in the width direction. A lance for locking the terminal is formed in the shape of one plate. Three beaks protrude therefrom for engaging with the lock holes of the terminal. Further, the lance is provided with slits for improving elasticity and a linkage part for linking the three beaks together.