Crimp Terminal Holder With Linear-Rotary Alignment Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Crimping hand tools lack sufficient degrees of freedom for precise positioning and orientation of terminals, leading to potential faulty terminations.

Innovation Solution

A terminal holding device with a base and a pivotably mounted terminal holder, featuring slots and magnets for linear and rotational movement, allowing precise alignment and secure positioning of terminals relative to the crimping hand tool.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a fixed-point rotated locator is used, then the terminal positioning is simplified, but the positioning precision and orientation control are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveterminal positioning simplicityVSAvoidterminal positioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The locator is transformed from a fixed-point rotated structure to a dynamically adjustable structure with multiple degrees of freedom. The terminal holder can move linearly along the X and Y axes and rotate independently, allowing real-time adjustment of positioning parameters to achieve precise terminal orientation and positioning while maintaining ease of operation through motorized control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention adds dimensional freedom by introducing linear movement capabilities along multiple axes in addition to rotational capability. The terminal holder can now position terminals in three-dimensional space (X, Y, Z movements) plus rotation, transforming the single-degree-of-freedom fixed-point rotation into a multi-degree-of-freedom system that achieves superior positioning precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If manual positioning is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the positioning accuracy for small terminals deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning mechanism complexityVSAvoidterminal positioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates self-positioning capabilities through automated motors and controllers that eliminate the need for manual intervention. The terminal holder automatically adjusts its position and orientation based on programmed coordinates, and the system includes self-alignment features that ensure precise terminal positioning without requiring operator skill or manual adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical positioning is replaced with an automated electromechanical system. Motors drive the linear movements along X and Y axes and the rotation, while electronic controllers manage the positioning sequences. This substitution of manual operation with automated mechanical-electrical systems achieves high positioning accuracy for small terminals while maintaining manageable device complexity through standardized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If a locator with fixed rotation point is used, then the structure is simplified, but the degrees of freedom for terminal control are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocator structure complexityVSAvoidterminal orientation control
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The locator structure is segmented into independent functional modules: a base structure, a terminal holder with its own mounting structure, and separate drive mechanisms for X-axis movement, Y-axis movement, and rotation. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently and combined to provide multiple degrees of freedom, achieving versatile terminal orientation control while keeping individual component structures relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal holder assembly serves multiple functions: it holds the terminal, positions it along X and Y axes, orients it through rotation, and maintains it during the crimping process. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate devices for each operation, providing comprehensive terminal control capability while avoiding the complexity of multiple independent mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables precise control over terminal positioning and orientation, reducing the likelihood of faulty terminations and improving the crimping process efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The base magnets and the terminal holder magnets cooperate to properly position the terminal holder and the terminals relative to the crimping hand tool

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11837833B2Terminal holding device for crimp hand tool
Publication Date: 2023.12.05 TE CONNECTIVITY SOLUTIONS GMBH
  • US11837833B2 patent drawing
  • US11837833B2 patent drawing
  • US11837833B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A terminal holding device, a crimping hand tool and a method of positioning a terminal in a die assembly of a crimping hand tool. The terminal holding device includes a base having at least one slot provided therein. A terminal holder is movably mounted on the base. The terminal holder has terminal receiving areas for receiving terminals therein. The terminal holder has at least one mounting projection extending therefrom. The at least one mounting projection of the terminal holder is positioned in the at least one slot of the base. The at least one slot is configured to allow the at least one mounting projection to be moved in a linear direction relative to the base and rotated in the slots, allowing the terminal holder and the terminals to be properly positioned relative to the crimping hand tool.