Rotatable Coding Housing for Connector Socket Terminal Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connection assemblies in electric vehicles face challenges in adjusting the orientation of coding housings due to their inability to rotate with respect to the terminal, leading to potential connection errors and the need for disassembly and reassembly when angular offsets occur.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connection terminal with a crimping portion and a connecting portion, featuring a ring that allows the coding housing to be rotatably movable, facilitated by a snap-fitting mechanism that enables angular adjustment without requiring additional fixing means or tools, and a coding housing with adapted coding ribs to prevent connection errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the coding housing is snap-fitted to the terminal with a fixed orientation, then the assembly structure is simple and manufacturing cost is low, but the coding housing cannot be rotated to adjust angular offsets with the socket
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static snap-fitting connection between the coding housing and terminal into a dynamic rotatable connection. The coding housing is designed with rotational freedom around the terminal's central axis while maintaining longitudinal positioning, enabling angular adjustment to match socket orientation. This dynamic capability allows the assembly to adapt to different installation angles without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the coding housing is made rotatable with respect to the terminal, then angular alignment with the socket can be adjusted, but additional fixing means or tools are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-aligning mechanism where the coding housing automatically finds its correct angular position relative to the socket through its rotatable connection. The housing can be freely rotated during assembly to match the socket's orientation, then maintains this position without requiring additional fixing tools or operations. The snap-fitting structure provides inherent positioning guidance that enables tool-free angular adjustment.
3Ease of manufacture
If the terminal uses a traditional snap-fitting lance through opening structure, then manufacturing cost is low, but the coding housing is blocked in rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the functions of longitudinal positioning and angular adjustment by dividing the connection interface into distinct elements. The snap-fitting lance provides longitudinal retention while the coding housing's outer surface engages with a dedicated rotational interface on the terminal, allowing independent rotational movement. This segmentation enables the housing to rotate freely for angular alignment while maintaining secure longitudinal attachment through the snap-fit mechanism.
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
Facilitates correct alignment and assembly with connector sockets by allowing rotational adjustment of coding housings, reducing connection errors, and optimizing design and manufacturing costs by reusing existing stamped terminals.
Implementation Method 1
The ring is connectable in a positive fit with a coding housing such that the coding housing is rotatably movable with respect to the electrical connection terminal
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly includes an electrical connection terminal electrically connectable to a pin of a connector socket, the electrical connection terminal including a connecting portion and a crimping portion, and a ring assembled around the connecting portion. The crimping portion receives and crimps an electrical cable to be connected with the pin of the connector socket. The connecting portion receives the pin of the connector socket and has a side wall forming a circular cylinder structure. The side wall has an opening. The ring is connectable in a positive fit with a coding housing such that the coding housing is rotatably movable with respect to the electrical connection terminal.