Shield Connector Latching Structure for Twisted 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 are twisted, requiring direction-regulating members to align orientations.
Innovation Solution
The shield connector design includes terminals with multiple latching protrusions and corresponding latching portions in the inner housing, allowing for simultaneous insertion even when orientations differ, featuring a metal shell connected to the braided wire and an outer housing with positioning members for secure locking.
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 the terminals cannot be simultaneously inserted when twisted orientations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The single latching protrusion is segmented into multiple latching protrusions (first, second, and third latching protrusions) arranged circumferentially around the terminal. This segmentation allows at least one protrusion to align with the corresponding latching portion regardless of terminal twist orientation, enabling simultaneous insertion of multiple terminals while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If direction-regulating members are added to align terminal orientations, then simultaneous insertion becomes possible, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding direction-regulating members to control terminal orientation, the invention inverts the approach by making the latching protrusions themselves orientation-independent. The circumferential arrangement of multiple protrusions means the terminal can be inserted from any rotational position, eliminating the need for direction-regulating members and reducing overall device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If multiple latching protrusions are provided on each terminal, then simultaneous insertion is enabled, but the terminal structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple latching protrusions serve multiple functions: they provide latching engagement, accommodate various terminal orientations, and enable simultaneous insertion of multiple terminals. This multi-functionality achieves the operational benefit while keeping the structural complexity increase minimal, as the protrusions are simple circumferential features rather than complex mechanical elements.
Data Source
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.