Locking Lance Scalloped Edge Terminal Retention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wire terminals with locking lances are not sufficiently secured in insulated housings, risking exposure and electrical hazards due to sharp edges that cut through the housing, compromising insulation and safety.
Innovation Solution
A wire terminal with locking lances featuring a scalloped edge and deformable portions, which securely engage with the insulated housing to prevent exposure and maintain insulation, using a method where the locking lances partially penetrate the outer shell to secure the terminal without cutting through.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If locking lances with sharp edges are used to secure the terminal in the insulated housing, then retention force is improved, but the sharp edges cut through the housing wall creating safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The locking lance features a localized sharp point at the tip for penetrating the housing wall to provide secure retention, while the remaining body of the lance maintains a smooth, non-sharp surface that does not create safety hazards when exposed outside the housing
Solution Approach 2:
The locking lance is functionally segmented into a sharp point portion for penetration and retention, and a smooth body portion for safety and housing engagement, allowing each segment to serve its specific function without compromising the other
2Ease of operation
If the terminal is loosely fitted in the insulated housing, then ease of insertion is improved, but the terminal separates from the housing when minimal force is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The locking lances are pre-positioned on the terminal in a ready state before insertion, allowing the terminal to be easily inserted into the housing without requiring additional locking actions, while the lances automatically engage the housing wall to provide secure retention
Solution Approach 2:
The locking lances automatically engage with the housing wall through their own elastic deformation and geometric design during insertion, providing self-securing functionality without requiring external fastening mechanisms or additional operational steps
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 solution ensures the terminal remains completely insulated with increased retention within the housing, eliminating the risk of electrical shock and laceration hazards while maintaining secure connectivity.
Implementation Method 1
at least one locking lance engages the outer shell of the insulated housing element to secure the wire terminal within the housing element
Implementation Method 2
at least one deformable portion of the wire barrel and at least one deformable portion of the insulation barrel are substantially deformable to secure the electrically conductive protrusion in place
Implementation Method 3
The housing insulates the terminal and to prevent the terminal from contacting an outside object, creating an electrical short circuit, introducing damaging voltage transients to the equipment, or presenting a hazard of electrical shock to personnel
Data Source
AI summary
A connector apparatus is provided as having an insulated housing and a terminal that is secured inside the insulated housing with locking lances. The locking lances have scalloped edges to ensure that the lances only partially penetrate the housing, but also provide a secure connection to provide an increased retention of the terminal in the housing. Once the terminal is secured within the housing, the terminal is permanently disposed within the housing and cannot easily be removed.