Integrated Connector Housing for Secure Terminal Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors require multiple housings and components, increasing complexity and component count, which can be reduced by integrating the male and female terminals into a single housing with a holding portion and cavity.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a male terminal with a tab and a female terminal connectable to the tab, housed within a single housing with a holding portion and cavity, where the tab projects into the cavity, eliminating the need for separate housings and reducing the number of components by integrating the holding and accommodating functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate male housing and female housing are used, then the terminals can be properly held and connected, but the number of components increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the male housing and female housing into a single integrated housing structure. The housing includes both a holding portion for the male terminal and a cavity for the female terminal, eliminating the need for separate housings while maintaining proper terminal connection and positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The single housing structure performs multiple functions: it holds the male terminal, accommodates the female terminal, provides structural support, and ensures proper alignment and connection between terminals. This multi-functional design reduces component count while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If a lid member is added to restrict escape of connection conductor, then the connection conductor is secured, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structure is designed to integrate the retention function previously requiring a separate lid member. The cavity and wall surface configuration inherently restricts the connection conductor from escaping, combining the housing and lid member functions into a single component.
3Reliability
If the male terminal is held by a separate holding portion, then the male terminal is securely positioned, but the housing structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The holding portion for the male terminal is integrated directly into the housing structure. The housing includes a holding portion that securely positions the male terminal while maintaining a simple overall structure, combining the housing and terminal retention functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector 10, 10A includes a male terminal 50, 50A including a tab 52, 52A, a female terminal 70 connectable to the tab 52, 52A, and a housing 20, 20A. The housing 20, 20A includes a holding portion 22 for holding the male terminal 50, 50A and a cavity 23 for accommodating the female terminal 70. One end of the cavity 23 is closed by a wall surface 32 of the holding portion 22. The tab 52, 52A is arranged to project into the cavity 23 from the wall surface 32 of the holding portion 22.