Combination Terminal Lock Structure for Low-Resistance Hand Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing assembly process of terminal bodies faces significant sliding resistance due to strong rubbing of lock protrusions, making manual assembly difficult.
Innovation Solution
A combination terminal design featuring resiliently deformable lock pieces and integral protecting portions allows for manual assembly by reducing assembly resistance and preventing external interference, with the lock pieces being deformable and the protecting portions guiding the assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lock protrusions are strongly pressed against mating plate-like overlapping portions during assembly, then locking reliability is improved, but sliding resistance increases making manual assembly difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The lock piece is designed with resilient properties, changing its mechanical parameter from rigid to elastic. This allows the lock piece to deform during assembly, reducing the pressing force and sliding resistance, while still providing reliable locking when engaged. The resilient characteristic enables manual assembly without compromising locking reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock piece transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic resilient component that can deform and recover. During assembly, the lock piece dynamically adapts to the engagement process by deforming to reduce resistance, then locks securely when engaged, providing both ease of assembly and locking reliability.
2Ease of operation
If lock pieces are exposed during assembly, then locking function is accessible, but external matters can interfere with the resilient lock piece
Solution Approach 1:
The protecting portion is designed to cover and enclose the resilient lock piece, creating a nested structure where the lock piece is housed within the protecting portion. This nesting provides protection against external matter interference while maintaining the locking function through the integrally formed structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The protecting portion acts as an intermediary element between the resilient lock piece and external matters. It mediates by providing a protective barrier that prevents direct contact between external contaminants and the lock piece, while still allowing the locking function to operate through the integrated design.
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 manual assembly with reduced resistance and high reliability of the locking function, ensuring secure engagement of terminal fittings while maintaining simplicity in design and processability.
Implementation Method 1
the first terminal fitting being formed with a resiliently deformable resilient lock piece
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention enables assembling by hand work. This combination terminal is provided with: a first terminal fitting (11) that has a first substrate part (12); and a second terminal fitting (41) that has a second substrate part (42) to be stacked on the first substrate part (12) and is assembled to the first terminal fitting (11) by being shifted in a direction crossing a stacking direction. An elastically deformable first elastic lock piece (22) is formed in the first terminal fitting (11), a second lock part (46) that locks the first terminal fitting (11) and the second terminal fitting (41) in an assembled state by engaging with the first elastic lock piece (22) is formed in the second terminal fitting (41), and a first protection part (28) that prevents interference of foreign matter with the first elastic lock piece (22) is formed integrally with the first terminal fitting (11).