Integrated Seal Retainer for Electrical Connector Terminal Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connector assemblies with secondary locking features, such as discrete or hinged plastic clips, incur high costs due to complex tooling and separate part handling, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector assembly with a seal that includes a retainer portion made of rigid Polybutylene Terephthalate Polyester (PBT) and flexible silicone, providing a secondary terminal locking feature integrated within the housing, eliminating the need for a separate plastic clip or hinged mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a discrete plastic clip or hinged clip is used as a secondary locking feature, then terminal retention reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase due to complex tooling and separate part handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the seal and the secondary locking feature (retainer) into a single integrated component. The retainer is formed as an integral part of the seal, eliminating the need for separate clips or hinged mechanisms. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining terminal retention reliability through the cooperative engagement between the retainer and housing.
2Reliability
If a discrete plastic clip or hinged clip is used as a secondary locking feature, then terminal retention reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to complex tooling and separate part handling
Solution Approach 1:
The seal and retainer are manufactured as a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate tooling for clips and reducing assembly steps. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces costs while ensuring reliable terminal retention through the engineered cooperative engagement between the retainer and housing features.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a seal is used to create a moisture barrier, then environmental protection is improved, but additional space and potential complexity are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The seal serves dual functions: it provides a moisture barrier between the connector and environment, and it incorporates the retainer that provides secondary terminal retention. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate retention components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining environmental protection.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector assembly is provided. The assembly includes a terminal, a housing, and a seal. The seal is configured to create a moisture barrier between the housing and a mating connector. The seal defines a retainer portion that cooperates with the housing to retain the terminal to the housing.