Terminal Fitting Curved Edge Reduces Insertion Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing terminal fittings with resilient contacts experience high insertion resistance and poor insertion feeling due to the positioning of the apex, leading to increased force requirements for inserting the male tab.
Innovation Solution
A tubular connecting portion with a resilient contact portion featuring a curved edge recessed toward the center, narrowing at the contact start position to reduce insertion force and improve feeling, while maintaining good contact pressure at the end position through a deflection supporting point and receiving portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the apex of the resilient contact is positioned at the maximum width location, then the contact structure is simplified, but the insertion resistance increases and insertion feeling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient contact is designed with non-uniform width distribution: the front half has a narrower width than the rear half. Specifically, the width at the contact start position (front portion) is reduced to minimize insertion resistance, while the width at the contact end position (rear portion near apex) is increased to ensure sufficient contact pressure. This local variation in geometric property resolves the contradiction between easy insertion and good contact quality.
2Reliability
If the resilient contact width is increased at the apex location, then the contact pressure is improved, but the insertion force increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient contact employs differentiated width distribution along its length: the front half (contact start region) has reduced width to lower insertion force, while the rear half (contact end region near apex) has increased width to maintain adequate contact pressure. This localized geometric optimization allows the structure to satisfy both requirements of low insertion force and sufficient contact pressure simultaneously.
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
Significantly reduces the inserting force of the male tab, enhances insertion feeling, and ensures stable fixation and space efficiency by narrowing the contact main body and widening the receiving portions.
Implementation Method 1
A resilient contact portion in the form of a deflectable plate piece is arranged in the connecting portion and resiliently contacts the male tab inserted into the connecting portion
Implementation Method 2
A curved portion is provided on an outer edge of the resilient contact portion in the plate width direction and is recessed toward a center in the plate width direction. A part of the curved portion most recessed toward the center in the plate width direction is arranged to face the contact start position of the contact in the plate width direction.
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal fitting (10) includes a tubular connecting portion (11) and a resilient contact (14) in the form of a plate that is deflectably arranged in the connecting portion (11) and that resiliently contacts a male tab (90) inserted into the connecting portion (11). A contact (35) is provided in a range from a contact start position (37) with the male tab (90) to a contact end position (38) inside the resilient contact (14) in a plate width direction. Curved portions (31) recessed toward a center in the plate width direction are provided on outer edges of the resilient contact (14) in the plate width direction. Parts of the curved portions (31) most recessed toward the center in the plate width direction are arranged to face the contact start position (37) of the contact (35) in the plate width direction.