Reverse Hinged Terminal Retainer for Secure Connector Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector systems for conductors lack a secure and efficient mechanism to retain terminals, particularly in applications requiring multiple row connections, where terminal retention force and secure seating are critical.
Innovation Solution
A connector system with a terminal retaining device featuring reverse hinged latch features and a dielectric polymer construction, utilizing cantilevered arms and a terminal retaining post to engage grooves at different stages, providing enhanced retention force and secure locking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a terminal retaining device is used to secure terminals in connector systems, then terminal retention force and secure seating are improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for multiple latch features and staged positions
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal retaining device is segmented into multiple functional components: outer arms with first latch features for initial engagement, inner arms with second latch features for secondary engagement, and a terminal retaining post for final securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function in the terminal retention process, achieving high reliability through distributed functionality rather than a single complex mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs a staged retention mechanism where the outer arms engage first latch features to secure the terminal retainer in a pre-staged position, allowing terminal insertion. Once terminals are inserted, the outer arms engage second latch features to move to a staged position, and finally the inner arms engage to lock the terminal retainer securely. This preliminary action sequence ensures terminals are properly seated before final locking, enhancing reliability without requiring all components to be complex
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism with multiple latch features is implemented, then terminal retention force increases, but ease of operation decreases due to more complex engagement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal retaining device utilizes dynamic movement through two distinct staged positions. The outer arms can pivot between a pre-staged position (allowing terminal insertion) and a staged position (securing the retainer). The inner arms similarly pivot between engaged and disengaged states. This dynamic capability allows the device to transition between open and locked states, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring secure seating when locked
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded outer arms automatically engage the first latch features when the terminal retainer is inserted, securing it in the pre-staged position without manual intervention. The mechanism self-actuates through the insertion motion itself, which triggers the latching action. This self-service feature simplifies operation by eliminating the need for separate locking steps while maintaining secure engagement
3Reliability
If a terminal retaining device with staged positions is used, then terminal retention security is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase due to multiple engagement positions
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body features asymmetric groove positioning with distinct first and second latch features located at different positions and orientations. The first latch features are positioned to engage with the outer arms in the pre-staged position, while the second latch features are positioned for engagement in the staged position. This asymmetric design clearly defines each engagement position, reducing manufacturing precision requirements by providing distinct, non-overlapping engagement geometries
Solution Approach 2:
The connector body and terminal retainer are designed with complementary mating surfaces and grooves that create equipotential engagement positions. The first and second latch features are positioned such that both engagement positions represent stable equilibrium states, with the retention force distributed evenly across the engaged components. This equipotential design ensures that manufacturing variations within normal tolerances do not compromise the security of either engagement position
Data Source
AI summary
A connector system includes a connector body defining a terminal cavity and a first and second groove each extending along an outer surface of the connector body and a terminal retainer attached to the connector body and moveable from a pre-staged position to a staged position. The terminal retainer retains a terminal within the cavity in the staged position. The terminal retainer has a base, a pair of first cantilevered arms extending from the base, a crossbar extending between the first arms defining a first latch feature, and a second cantilevered arm extending from the crossbar. The second arm is between the pair of first arms and defines a second latch feature. The first latch feature engages the first groove in the pre-staged position and the second groove in the staged position. The second latch feature engages the first groove in the staged position.