Terminal Elastic Pieces Reduce Insertion Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional terminals require a large insertion force to connect an electric wire to a connecting terminal, leading to increased workload and a higher failure rate due to easy detachment of the spring member during insertion and removal.
Innovation Solution
A terminal design with elastic pieces arranged parallel to the insertion direction, inclined to disperse the elastic restoring force, reducing the insertion force and minimizing interference with connecting pieces to prevent detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastic pieces are arranged perpendicular to the insertion direction, then the spring member provides strong holding force, but the insertion force becomes excessively large
Solution Approach 1:
The spring member is divided into multiple elastic pieces (first, second, and third elastic pieces) arranged at different positions and orientations. This segmentation allows each elastic piece to contribute differently to the holding force while distributing the insertion force requirement, resolving the contradiction between strong holding force and excessive insertion force.
Solution Approach 2:
Different elastic pieces are configured with different properties: the first elastic piece is inclined to provide holding force with reduced insertion resistance, the second elastic piece provides additional holding force from a different direction, and the third elastic piece reinforces the holding force. This local differentiation of elastic piece configurations allows the system to maintain strong overall holding force while reducing the peak insertion force compared to a uniform perpendicular arrangement.
2Device complexity
If elastic pieces are arranged perpendicular to the insertion direction, then the spring member structure is simple, but the spring member detaches easily during insertion and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring different elastic pieces with different orientations and functions. The first elastic piece is inclined to reduce insertion resistance while providing holding force, the second elastic piece is positioned to prevent detachment during insertion, and the third elastic piece reinforces the holding force. This differentiated local configuration prevents easy detachment while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic pieces are pre-configured in specific orientations and positions to counteract potential detachment forces before insertion occurs. The inclined first elastic piece and the second elastic piece working together create preliminary resistance against detachment during the insertion and removal process, preventing the spring member from detaching easily.
3Reliability
If a large insertion force is required, then the terminal connection is secure, but the workload for inspectors increases and manufacturing costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The spring member is segmented into multiple elastic pieces that work together to provide secure connection. This segmentation allows the connection to remain secure while distributing the insertion force requirement across multiple components, reducing the peak force needed and thereby reducing inspector workload and manufacturing costs associated with high-force connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the orientation parameter of the elastic pieces from a uniform perpendicular arrangement to a differentiated arrangement where the first elastic piece is inclined and the second and third elastic pieces are positioned at different locations. This parameter change optimizes the balance between connection security and insertion force requirement, reducing workload while maintaining reliable connection.
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 terminal reduces the insertion force, lightens the workload for inspectors, eliminates the need for grease application, and decreases manufacturing costs while lowering the failure rate by stabilizing the spring member.
Implementation Method 1
the insert portion pushes the elastic pieces toward the one wall, so that the elastic pieces are deformed elastically. An elastic restoring force by the deformed elastic pieces pushes the insert portion against the other wall
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal including a tube-shaped electrical contact portion into which an insert portion of a mating terminal is inserted. The electrical contact portion includes: a pair of walls arranged in parallel to each other, which the insert portion is inserted between; and a plurality of elastic pieces provided at one wall of the pair of walls so as to be formed projecting from the one wall to the other wall of the pair of walls, and pushing the insert portion toward the other wall so as to hold the insert portion between the plurality of elastic pieces and the other wall. The plurality of elastic pieces is arranged in parallel to each other at an interval along an insertion direction of the insert portion.