Terminal Fitting Retaining Structure with Integrated Locking Lances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retaining structures for terminal fittings in connectors are complex and large due to the need for misalignment correction and waterproofing, which complicates the connection process and increases the overall size of the connector.
Innovation Solution
A retaining structure with a cylindrical terminal fitting, a housing allowing radial movement, and locking lances integrated into the cylindrical wall to prevent rearward withdrawal and correct misalignment without projecting from the outer surface, simplifying the design and reducing size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If locking lances are provided between the inner housing and connector housing to correct misalignment, then the connection smoothness is improved, but the overall size of the connector is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The locking lances are integrated directly into the cylindrical wall portion of the housing, merging the locking function into the existing structure rather than adding separate components between the inner housing and connector housing. This eliminates the need for additional space while maintaining the misalignment correction capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking lances serve multiple functions: they lock the terminal fitting in place, enable radial movement for misalignment correction, and are formed integrally with the housing structure. This multi-functionality reduces the overall complexity and size of the connector while maintaining connection smoothness.
2Ease of operation
If a gap is provided between the terminal fitting and inner housing to enable radial movement, then the misalignment correction is improved, but the device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The gap between the terminal fitting and inner housing is integrated into the overall housing structure design, combining the movement accommodation function with the locking lance mechanism. This unified approach reduces structural complexity while enabling effective misalignment correction.
3Device complexity
If locking lances are formed on the cylindrical wall portion without projecting from the outer surface, then the waterproofing simplicity is improved, but the locking reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The locking lances are nested within the cylindrical wall portion of the housing, with the lance locking portion engaged by the lances from the inside. This nested configuration maintains waterproofing simplicity by not projecting from the outer surface while ensuring locking reliability through the internal engagement mechanism.
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
Enables easy alignment and connection of terminal fittings while maintaining waterproofing simplicity, correcting misalignment without increasing connector size or complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The lances 519 are so flexible that they can elastically be deformed so as to move towards each other. Additionally, the shielded connector 501 includes a packing 523 which keeps the boundary between the shielded electric wire 515 and the inner housing 507 watertight.
Data Source
AI summary
A retaining structure for a terminal fitting includes: a terminal fitting which has a cylindrical electric contact portion at a front end side and an electric wire connecting portion at a rear end side; a housing with which a cylindrical portion is integrally formed; a terminal accommodating chamber which is provided inwards of the cylindrical portion and which accommodates the terminal fitting with a moving gap left; and locking lances which are formed on a cylindrical wall portion of the cylindrical portion so as not to project from an outer circumferential surface thereof and which lock a lance locking portion of the terminal fitting which is inserted into the terminal accommodating chamber so as to retain the terminal fitting in such a way as to enable a radial movement of the terminal fitting while restricting a rearward withdrawal of the terminal fitting.