Terminal Ceiling Plate Segmentation for Locking Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors weaken the ceiling plate, leading to potential deformation when tensile force is applied to the electric wire, compromising terminal strength during handling.
Innovation Solution
A terminal design with a notch on the ceiling plate and a projection part on the inner plate, combined with an elastically deformable lance and retainer projection strip, enhances locking and stability, preventing deformation and improving terminal strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a recessed part is formed on the ceiling plate to enable engagement, then the terminal can be locked in the connector, but the strength of the ceiling plate is weakened and deformation may occur under tensile force
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling plate is divided into two separate plates: a front ceiling plate and a rear ceiling plate. The front ceiling plate includes the engagement part for locking, while the rear ceiling plate maintains structural strength. This segmentation allows the engagement function to be separated from the load-bearing function, resolving the contradiction between locking capability and strength.
2Ease of manufacture
If the ceiling plate is made thinner to reduce material usage, then manufacturing cost decreases, but the terminal becomes more prone to deformation under load
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the ceiling plate into front and rear sections, each plate can be optimized independently. The front ceiling plate can be thinner since it primarily provides engagement functionality, while the rear ceiling plate maintains sufficient thickness for structural support. This resolves the contradiction between material efficiency and strength.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the ceiling structure are given different thicknesses and properties. The front ceiling plate has local quality optimized for engagement (thinner with engagement features), while the rear ceiling plate has local quality optimized for strength (thicker). This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between material usage and overall strength.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a projection part is added to the inner plate for engagement with the retainer, then mid-insertion detection is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The projection part on the inner plate provides visual and tactile indication of the mid-insertion state. When the retainer engages with the projection part, the terminal is in a specific positional state that can be easily detected. This simple geometric feature provides detection functionality without requiring complex sensors or mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between detection capability and device complexity.
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 enhanced locking mechanism strengthens the terminal, preventing deformation under tensile force and facilitating easy detection of mid-insertion state, thereby improving handling and management of the terminal.
Implementation Method 1
the housing body has an elastically deformable lance
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal includes a box, the box of the terminal connected to an electric wire includes a ceiling plate and an inner plate. The ceiling plate includes a front ceiling plate and a rear ceiling plate formed by a notch. The rear ceiling plate includes a projection part engagement surface provided by the forming of the notch. The inner plate includes a projection part. In a state where the ceiling plate and the inner plate are superimposed, the projection part and the projection part engagement surface are engaged with each other.