Integrated Terminal Locking Structure for Male and Female Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing terminal position assurance devices require separate installation and only provide stability for male terminals, necessitating additional devices for female terminals, leading to complex assembly and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
An integrated terminal position assurance device with both male and female terminal lock structures on a single component, capable of being installed in a connector housing, which includes a transverse substrate with male and female baffles and positioning arms to secure both male and female terminals when connectors are mated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate TPA devices are used for male and female terminals, then terminal stability is ensured, but device complexity and assembly cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate male TPA device and female TPA device into a single integrated TPA device that can simultaneously lock both male and female terminals. The integrated device includes a body with a male terminal locking structure and a female terminal locking structure, eliminating the need for separate devices and simplifying assembly while maintaining terminal stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated TPA device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can lock male terminals through the male terminal locking structure and lock female terminals through the female terminal locking structure. This multi-functional design allows one device to replace what previously required two separate devices, reducing complexity while ensuring reliability for both terminal types.
2Reliability
If separate TPA devices are installed for male and female connectors, then both terminals are secured, but manufacturing and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the male TPA device and female TPA device into a single integrated component, the patent reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, stocked, and assembled. This consolidation decreases manufacturing complexity and assembly costs while maintaining the security function for both male and female terminals.
3Reliability
If multiple separate TPA devices are used, then comprehensive terminal locking is achieved, but installation time and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of male and female locking structures into a single TPA device allows installers to complete the locking of both terminal types in one installation operation rather than requiring separate installation steps for male and female devices, significantly reducing assembly time and simplifying the installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated TPA device is pre-configured with both male and female locking structures in predetermined positions, allowing the installer to simply insert the single device into the connector housing where it automatically engages both terminal types simultaneously, eliminating the need for complex sequential installation procedures.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 1D
AI summary
The present patent application discloses an integrated terminal position assurance device and a corresponding electric connector. An electric connector according to the present patent application comprises: a first connector housing, comprising a plurality of first terminal channels; and a terminal position assurance device (200) comprising one or more Terminal Position Assurance (TPA) components (210), wherein each TPA component comprises a male terminal lock structure (212) on one side and a female terminal lock structure (214) on another side, the terminal position assurance device being capable of being installed in a terminal position assurance cavity of the first connector housing.