Multi-Finger Terminal Release Tool for Simultaneous Connector Unlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing terminal release tools are cumbersome and error-prone, requiring manual placement and operation within electrical connectors to release individual terminals, which is time-consuming and prone to errors, especially when multiple terminals are involved or cables are fixed together.
Innovation Solution
A terminal release tool with an elongated base body and multiple release fingers that can be inserted into electrical connectors to simultaneously release at least two terminals, featuring ramp surfaces and a sleeve for guided insertion, allowing for efficient unlocking of terminals without manual adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single elongated tool is inserted into the electrical connector to release one terminal at a time, then the terminal can be released with a simple tool structure, but the operation becomes time-consuming and error-prone due to manual positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple release fingers (at least two) into a single tool body, allowing simultaneous release of multiple terminals. The release fingers are arranged to engage with multiple locking arms of different terminals at the same time, transforming the sequential release process into a parallel operation, thereby significantly improving productivity while maintaining reasonable tool complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool body is segmented into multiple release fingers that can be independently positioned to engage with different locking arms. This segmentation allows each finger to target a specific terminal while being part of a unified tool structure, enabling simultaneous multi-terminal release without requiring multiple separate tools.
2Device complexity
If manual placement and operation of the tool is required for each terminal, then the tool can be simple in structure, but the operation becomes visually complicated and error-prone due to limited lighting conditions inside the electrical connector
Solution Approach 1:
The release fingers are designed to automatically engage with the locking arms of the terminals when the tool is inserted into the electrical connector. The fingers self-position and self-engage without requiring manual manipulation or precise positioning by the operator, eliminating the visual complexity and error-proneness associated with manual placement while keeping the tool structure relatively simple.
3Reliability
If terminals are released one by one using individual tools, then each terminal can be properly released, but many individual steps are necessary which increases time consumption and error probability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple single-terminal release tools into one multi-functional tool with several release fingers. This allows all terminals to be released in a single operational step rather than through multiple sequential steps, dramatically reducing the time loss while maintaining the reliability of complete terminal release by ensuring all locking arms are engaged simultaneously.
4Ease of manufacture
If cables are fixed together with cable ties for assembly facilitation, then assembly is easier and installation conditions are clearer, but terminal removal becomes impossible without loosening cable ties which increases effort
Solution Approach 1:
The release fingers are designed to extract or disengage the locking arms from the terminals while the cables remain fixed together. This allows the terminal to be separated from the connector without requiring the cable ties to be loosened, maintaining the benefits of cable fixation for assembly while enabling easy terminal removal for repair, replacement, or recycling purposes.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a terminal release tool (10) for releasing at least two terminals (21a-21h) being fastened within an electrical connector (20) at once. The terminal release tool (10) comprises an elongated base body (11) having a longitudinal axis (a), and an insertion portion (13) for being inserted into the electrical connector (20). The insertion portion (13) comprises a plurality of release fingers (14a-14j) extending from the insertion portion (13) substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (a).