Resilient Arm Terminal Lock for Compact Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric terminal housings face challenges in providing sufficient resistance to terminal pull-out forces without increasing the size of the terminal cavity, especially in densely packed applications like conventional vehicles, where space is limited.
Innovation Solution
The electric terminal housing incorporates a terminal lock with a resilient arm and a rib that extends into the cavity, deflecting to secure the terminal in place and resist pull-out forces, thereby enhancing retention without enlarging the cavity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the terminal lock is made physically larger to increase resistance to pull-out forces, then the strength increases, but the terminal cavity size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the locking function in a specific localized structure (the resilient arm with rib) rather than increasing the overall terminal cavity size. The rib extends from the resilient arm to engage with the terminal, providing localized strength and resistance to pull-out forces without requiring a larger cavity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamics through the resilient arm that can deflect and rebound. The resilient arm dynamically adapts during terminal insertion and provides active retention force. This dynamic behavior allows the lock to maintain strength while remaining compact, as the resilience provides force multiplication without requiring larger dimensions.
2Quantity of substance
If more electric terminals are packed into limited space, then the quantity of terminals increases, but the space per terminal decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing the resilient arm and rib structure within the existing terminal cavity boundaries. The locking mechanism is nested inside the cavity rather than extending outward, allowing multiple terminals to be packed closely together while each terminal retains its own locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient arm acts as a flexible element that provides the locking function. This flexible component allows the terminal lock to adapt to tight spaces and provides the necessary retention force without requiring rigid, space-consuming structures. The flexibility enables compact design while maintaining functionality.
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
This design effectively increases the resistance to terminal pull-out forces without increasing the terminal cavity size, ensuring secure connections in densely packed applications while maintaining compactness.
Implementation Method 1
each terminal lock includes a resilient member that deflects as the electric terminal is inserted into the housing and rebounds when the electric terminal has been moved to the installed position in order to retain the electric terminal in the housing
Data Source
AI summary
An electric terminal housing includes a terminal cavity. The terminal cavity extends along a cavity axis from an insertion end to a mate end. The terminal cavity is adapted to hold an electric terminal. The terminal housing includes a terminal lock. The terminal lock includes a resilient arm that extends from the housing into the terminal cavity. The terminal lock includes a rib that extends from the arm toward the cavity axis.