Terminal Fitting Latch Prevents Outer Wall Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional terminal fittings face issues with outward deformation of the outer wall due to external forces, leading to inefficient use of metallic base material and potential interference with other parts, and existing solutions either increase the blank size or expose edges that can catch other components.
Innovation Solution
A terminal fitting design featuring a latch between the second and third walls that engages with an escaping portion on the fourth wall, preventing outward deformation while allowing for miniaturization of the metal blank and reducing the risk of interference, with the latch positioned adjacent to the retainer engaging portion to prevent deformation and avoid interference with the lock during insertion or withdrawal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a piece projects from the leading end of the outer wall to engage a cutout in the side wall, then the outer wall opening deformation is prevented, but the metal blank size increases and material efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch is nested within the terminal fitting structure itself, forming an integrated anti-opening mechanism. The latch engages with the side wall from the interior space of the terminal fitting, eliminating the need for external projecting pieces and reducing the overall metal blank size required.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-opening mechanism transitions from a one-dimensional external projection to a two-dimensional integrated structure. The latch forms an internal engagement system that utilizes the terminal fitting's own geometry to prevent opening deformation without extending the external dimensions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a piece projects from the leading end of the outer wall to engage a cutout, then the outer wall opening deformation is prevented, but the exposed piece can catch other parts and cause deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful exposed projecting piece is extracted and replaced by an internal latch mechanism. The engagement function is retained while the harmful external exposure is eliminated, as the latch operates within the terminal fitting's interior space rather than protruding outward.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch serves as an intermediary element that mediates between the outer wall and the side wall cutout. Instead of direct external engagement that causes interference, the latch provides an intermediate engagement mechanism that achieves the anti-opening function without external exposure.
3Quantity of substance
If the latch is arranged between the second and third walls and received in the escaping portion, then the metal blank can be miniaturized, but the latch position must be precisely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The latch position and orientation are predetermined by the integrated forming process. The stamping and forming operations are designed to automatically position the latch in the correct location between the second and third walls, eliminating the need for separate positioning steps and reducing precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch formation is merged with the terminal fitting manufacturing process. The same stamping and forming operations that create the terminal fitting structure also form the latch and create the escaping portion, ensuring automatic alignment and reducing the need for separate precision positioning operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal fitting (11) includes a substantially box-shaped main portion (21). The main portion (21) includes a bottom wall (24), a pair of side walls (25, 26) standing up from the opposite ends of the bottom wall (24), a ceiling wall (27) projecting from the leading end of one (25) of the side walls (25, 26) toward the other side wall (26) while facing the bottom wall (24) and an outer wall (28) projecting from the leading end of the other side wall (26) toward the one side wall (25) and placed on the outer side of the ceiling wall (27). The outer wall (28) has a latch (42) arranged between the two side walls (25, 26) and projecting towards the bottom wall (24). The ceiling wall (27) has an escaping portion (43) for receiving the latch (42) and is engaged with the peripheral edge of the escaping portion (43).