Relay Terminal Connection Structure with Erroneous-Insertion Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connection structures for electronic components and terminal metal fittings often result in terminal deformation or damage due to incorrect orientation during insertion, as the components may be mistakenly inserted, striking the outside surfaces of the holding member.
Innovation Solution
A connection structure featuring an electronic component with terminals arranged so their distal ends face a side surface, incorporating an erroneous-insertion prevention projecting portion on one side surface and a holding member with a groove and contact portion to prevent incorrect insertion, along with a deformable locking piece for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the electronic component is inserted into the holding member without orientation guidance, then the insertion process is simple, but the terminals may be deformed or damaged due to erroneous orientation
Solution Approach 1:
An erroneous-insertion prevention projecting portion is provided on one side surface of the electronic component body. The holding member includes a groove portion that receives this projecting portion when the component is inserted in the normal orientation, and a contact portion that contacts the projecting portion when inserted in an erroneous orientation to restrict insertion. This asymmetric design guides correct insertion while preventing damage.
2Volume of moving object
If the terminals are arranged to face the side surface of the component body, then the connection structure is compact, but the terminals are more vulnerable to damage during erroneous insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The erroneous-insertion prevention projecting portion and the contact portion work together to prevent erroneous insertion before the terminals can be damaged. When the component is attempted to be inserted in an erroneous orientation, the projecting portion contacts the contact portion, which restricts further insertion and protects the terminals from striking the holding member.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the holding member accommodates both the electronic component and terminal metal fittings, then the connection structure is integrated, but the space for terminal accommodation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal metal fittings are nested within the holding member, with each fitting accommodated in a designated space. The groove portion and contact portion are integrated into the holding member structure, allowing the erroneous-insertion prevention mechanism to be part of the same component that accommodates the terminals, thus maintaining integration while providing protection.
Data Source
AI summary
A connection structure of an electronic component and terminal metal fittings includes a relay in which a plurality of terminals are projected from a relay body having a rectangular parallelepiped shape, terminal metal fittings that are fitted in the respective terminals, and a holding member in which the relay and the terminal metal fittings are accommodated. The holding member has a component body accommodating portion that accommodates the relay body, terminal accommodating portions each accommodating the distal end portion of corresponding one of the terminals and corresponding one of the terminal metal fittings, a groove portion that positions an erroneous-insertion prevention projecting portion therein when the relay is inserted in a normal orientation, and a contact portion that is brought into contact with the erroneous-insertion prevention projecting portion when the relay is inserted in an erroneous orientation.