Shield Connector Latch Structure for Twisted Pair Terminal Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shield connectors face challenges in simultaneous insertion of terminals into an inner housing when the latching protrusions of the terminals differ in orientation, requiring direction-regulating members for alignment.
Innovation Solution
The shield connector design includes a plurality of latching protrusions on the terminals and corresponding latching portions in the inner housing, allowing for simultaneous insertion even when orientations differ, with features like a metal shell connected to the braided wire and positioning members for secure alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single latching protrusion is provided on each terminal, then the structure is simple, but simultaneous insertion of terminals is not possible when orientations differ
Solution Approach 1:
The single latching protrusion is segmented into multiple latching protrusions (first, second, and third latching protrusions) arranged at different angular positions around the terminal circumference. This segmentation allows terminals with different rotational orientations to still engage with the housing lances during simultaneous insertion, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple latching protrusions are designed to work universally with the housing lances regardless of the terminal's rotational orientation. Each protrusion can engage with corresponding housing lances, making the insertion mechanism universal and orientation-independent, thereby enabling simultaneous insertion while maintaining relatively simple terminal structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If direction-regulating members are provided on terminals, then alignment during insertion is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal structure incorporates asymmetric features including the specific angular arrangement of latching protrusions and the positioning of the metal shell relative to the terminal axis. This asymmetry provides inherent alignment guidance during insertion without requiring additional direction-regulating members, thus improving alignment precision while avoiding increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal shell serves as an intermediary component between the terminal and the housing. It provides a guiding surface and structural interface that facilitates proper alignment during insertion, eliminating the need for separate direction-regulating members on the terminal itself.
3Ease of operation
If multiple latching protrusions are provided on terminals, then simultaneous insertion is enabled, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple latching protrusions are merged into a single integrated terminal body structure rather than being separate components. This combining approach enables simultaneous insertion of multiple terminals while avoiding the manufacturing complexity of assembling multiple separate parts, as the protrusions are formed as one piece with the terminal housing.
Data Source
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AI summary
To provide a shield connector capable of simultaneously inserting terminals into an inner housing, even when the terminals wire-connected to the core wires of the pair of electric wires are twisted. A connector 10 includes: a pair of terminals 1, 1 wire-connecting core wires Wc; an inner housing 2 holding the pair of terminals 1, 1; a metal shell 3 covering exposed portions of a pair of electric wires W, W in a tightly close-contact manner; and a cover shell 4 connected serially with the metal shell 3. The metal shell 3 includes a pair of terminal introduction holes 32h, 32h partially communicating with each other at outer edges thereof. Each terminal 1 includes a plurality of contact lances 13 formed on the electric wire connection portion 1a side and protuberating radially outward from of the terminal 1. The inner housing 2 includes a pair of housing lances 22r, 22r protruding forwardly and latchable to the contact lances 13.