Sealed Terminal Position Assurance Member With Rigid Frame
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing terminal position assurance devices do not provide sealing to prevent the ingress of water, dust, or other contaminants, as they are made from rigid materials that cannot compress or conform to the cavity or terminals, necessitating the use of separate seals, which is costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A terminal position assurance member with a rigid frame and compressible seals that extends from the conductor receiving surface to the connector mating surface, allowing the compressible seals to provide sealing while maintaining the rigidity needed to properly position terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid material is used for terminal position assurance device, then terminal positioning function is achieved, but sealing function is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal position assurance device is divided into multiple functional segments: a rigid frame member for positioning terminals and separate compressible seal portions for providing sealing. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specialized function effectively without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid frame member and compressible seal portions are combined into a single integrated terminal position assurance device that performs both terminal positioning and sealing functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If separate seals are used to provide sealing, then sealing function is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged into the terminal position assurance device itself through integrated compressible seal portions, eliminating the need for separate seal components and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal position assurance device is designed to perform multiple functions: terminal positioning through the rigid frame member and sealing through the compressible seal portions, making it a multi-functional component that reduces the total number of parts needed.
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 positions terminals while preventing the ingress of contaminants, eliminating the need for separate seals and enhancing manufacturing efficiency by integrating sealing and positioning functions into a single component.
Implementation Method 1
The terminal position assurance device must have portions which are rigid and portions which are compressible
Implementation Method 2
Any insertion force applied to the conductor receiving surface of the rigid frame member will be translated through the rigid frame member to one or more terminals of the electrical connector
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal position assurance member for use with an electrical connector. The terminal position assurance member includes a rigid frame member and one or more compressible seals. The rigid frame member extends from a conduct receiving surface of the terminal position assurance member to a connector mating surface of the terminal position assurance member. The one or more compressible seals cooperate with the rigid frame member to provide sealing between the rigid frame member, a housing of the electrical connector and conductors inserted into the terminal position assurance member. Any insertion force applied to the conductor receiving surface of the rigid frame member will be translated through the rigid frame member to one or more terminals of the electrical connector, allowing the one or more seals to remain compressible to provide the sealing characteristics required.