Connector Terminal Position Assurance Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector apparatuses face damage during rework due to excessive external forces and have a difficult demounting process for terminal position assurance (TPA) due to its buried structure.
Innovation Solution
A connector apparatus with a housing featuring opening holes and an upper surface with an accommodation space, where the TPA is inserted from above and includes through-holes, a side end portion extending downward, and a mounting portion with a bent shape, allowing easy mounting and demounting by inserting the installation portion between the side end and mounting portions, and utilizing a catching structure with grooves and projections for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the terminal position assurance is inserted and buried from the upper side of the housing toward the lower side of the housing, then the TPA is securely fixed in position, but it becomes difficult to demount the TPA from the housing when rework is required
Solution Approach 1:
The TPA is divided into multiple segments: an insertion portion that embeds into the housing for secure fixing, and a protrusion portion that extends outward from the housing surface. This segmentation allows the insertion portion to provide reliable fixation while the protrusion portion serves as an accessible interface for demounting operations, resolving the contradiction between secure fixing and ease of repair.
2Ease of repair
If excessive external force is applied to the connector during rework to separate the TPA from the housing, then the TPA can be removed, but the connector is easily damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusion portion acts as an intermediary element between the TPA and the external demounting tool. By providing this intermediate interface that extends from the housing surface, the design allows demounting forces to be applied directly to the protrusion portion rather than transmitting excessive stress to the housing or terminal structures, thus enabling TPA removal while preventing connector damage.
3Shape
If the TPA is completely buried in the housing, then the structure is compact and clean, but it is difficult to access and handle the TPA for mounting and demounting operations
Solution Approach 1:
The TPA structure is segmented into an insertion portion that remains buried within the housing for compactness and a protrusion portion that extends outward for accessibility. This segmentation allows the housing to maintain a clean, compact appearance while the protruding section provides sufficient access for mounting and demounting operations, resolving the contradiction between structural compactness and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector apparatus includes a housing having an upper surface portion formed with an accommodation space, and a position assurance to be inserted into the accommodation space of the housing. When the position assurance is mounted in the housing, a mounting portion of the position assurance is exposed on a side surface portion of the housing, such that visibility at the time of work is improved. In addition, the position assurance is connected to the housing in a catching structure, such that it is easy to mount and demount the position assurance and mounting strength is secured.