Shield Terminal Dual Locking Lance Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shield connectors with resiliently deflectable locking lances are prone to disengagement due to impacts or vibrations, compromising the reliability of terminal retention.
Innovation Solution
A shield terminal design featuring a first and second housing with respective locking lances and retainers, allowing the shield terminal to be securely locked in either housing type through distinct locking portions on the outer conductor, ensuring reliable retention without generating insertion resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a resiliently deflectable locking lance is used to retain the shield terminal, then the shield terminal can be easily installed, but the locking lance may disengage due to impact or vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two independent locking lances (first and second locking lances) that engage with corresponding locking portions separately. This segmentation provides redundant retention paths, so if one locking mechanism fails or disengages due to vibration or impact, the other locking lance maintains the retained object's position, thereby improving reliability while preserving ease of installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a retainer that restricts the resilient deflection of the locking lances before disengagement can occur. This beforehand cushioning limits the range of motion of the locking lances, preventing them from fully disengaging under impact or vibration conditions, thus maintaining reliable retention while allowing easy installation through resilient deflection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different housing types with different locking mechanisms are used, then each housing can be optimized for its specific function, but the shield terminal cannot be used as a common member
Solution Approach 1:
The shield terminal is designed with multiple locking portions (first and second locking portions) that can engage with different types of locking lances and retainers. This universal design allows the same terminal to be used across multiple housing types (waterproof and non-waterproof) with different locking mechanisms, eliminating the need for terminal-specific variations while maintaining housing optimization.
3Ease of operation
If the locking lance is allowed to deflect resiliently, then the terminal can accommodate positioning variations, but the retainer may generate insertion resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is designed to restrict resilient deflection of the locking lances only in specific regions where it does not interfere with the insertion path. The retainer engages with the locking lances after insertion is complete, allowing positioning variations to be accommodated during insertion while preventing excessive deflection that would cause disengagement during operation, thereby minimizing insertion resistance.
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 design enhances the reliability of shield terminal retention in both waterproof and non-waterproof housings, allowing the shield terminal to function as a common member across different housing types while maintaining high design flexibility and preventing unnecessary interference.
Implementation Method 1
a resiliently deflectable locking lance is formed in the housing and is locked to a locking projection formed on an outer surface of the outer conductor for retaining and holding the shield terminal in the housing
Implementation Method 2
a front retainer capable of restricting resilient deflection of the first locking lance
Implementation Method 3
a side retainer that can be mounted into the second housing to face the inside of the second accommodation chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A shield terminal (30) includes inner conductors (32), a dielectric (37) configured to accommodate the inner conductors (32) and an outer conductor (40) surrounding the dielectric (37), and is selectively mountable into a first housing (10) and a second housing (20). A first locking portion (49) and a second locking portion (55) are formed on an outer surface of the outer conductor (40). The shield terminal (30) inserted into a first accommodation chamber (13) is retained by a front retainer (17) restricting the resilient deflection of a first locking lance (14) and the first locking portion (49) being locked to the first locking lance (14). The shield terminal (30) inserted into a second accommodation chamber (21) is retained by the locking of the first locking portion (49) and a second locking lance (22) and the locking of the second locking portion (55) and a side retainer (25).