Resilient Terminal Fitting for Connector Rattling Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors with terminal fittings experience rattling due to manufacturing tolerances and material deformation, leading to improper alignment and interference during connection operations.
Innovation Solution
A terminal fitting with a resilient portion that deforms to contact the inner surface of the housing, filling clearance gaps and preventing rattling, while also reducing sliding resistance during insertion through strategically placed projections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If stabilizers are used to guide insertion, then insertion guidance is improved, but manufacturing tolerances create clearances causing rattling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the resilient portion from rigid to elastic, allowing it to deform and fill clearance gaps dynamically. This enables the structure to adapt to manufacturing tolerances while maintaining reliable contact to prevent rattling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining the resilient portion (elastic material) with the terminal fitting body (rigid material). This combination allows the resilient portion to compensate for clearances caused by manufacturing tolerances while the rigid body provides structural support.
2Reliability
If backlash eliminating ridges made of synthetic resin are used, then rattling suppression is improved, but the ridges may be squeezed leading to unreliable backlash elimination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material property of the resilient portion to have elastic characteristics, enabling it to deform under load and return to its original shape. This elasticity allows the resilient portion to maintain reliable contact without being permanently deformed or squeezed by the housing.
3Reliability
If a retainer with locking ridges is used, then rattling prevention is improved, but the retainer must be a separate part limiting application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the resilient portion directly with the terminal fitting body, eliminating the need for a separate retainer component. This integration maintains the rattling prevention function while simplifying the overall structure and reducing the number of parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient portion serves multiple functions: it provides insertion guidance by entering the groove, prevents rattling by filling clearance gaps, and enables easy adjustment of overlapping margins through resilient deformation. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate components.
4Productivity
If projections are added to the resilient portion, then insertion efficiency is improved by reducing sliding resistance, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the projection feature only to specific locations on the resilient portion where insertion guidance and groove engagement are needed. This localized application reduces sliding resistance during insertion without adding unnecessary complexity to the entire structure.
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 effectively restricts loose movement of the terminal fitting, ensures proper alignment, and enhances insertion efficiency by eliminating rattling and interference issues, with the resilient portion made of metal to avoid material deformation.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient portion configured to restrict a loose movement of the terminal fitting in the accommodating portion by contacting an inner surface of the accommodating portion while being resiliently deformed
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a housing (60) having an accommodating portion (62) and a terminal fitting (10) to be inserted into the accommodating portion (62). The terminal fitting (10) includes resilient portions (25) configured to restrict a loose movement of the terminal fitting (10) in the accommodating portion (62) by coming into contact with an inner surface of the accommodating portion (62) while being resiliently deformed. The resilient portion (25) includes a front projection (28) and a rear projection (29) on an outer surface.