Terminal Lock With Raised Ridge For Connector Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connector assemblies for electric terminals lack sufficient resistance to prevent accidental pulling out of terminals from the housing, which is critical for maintaining proper operation of electric components in vehicles over their lifespan.

Innovation Solution

A connector assembly with a terminal lock featuring a lock arm and lock tab that extends into the terminal cavity, including a raised ridge, which engages the terminal to resist removal and maintain the terminal in an installed position, combined with a terminal position assurance mechanism to ensure proper installation and prevent accidental disengagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a typical resilient arm terminal lock is used, then the terminal is retained in the housing, but the resistance to accidental pulling out is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterminal retentionVSAvoidresistance to pulling out

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal lock is segmented into distinct functional components: a lock arm with a lock tab that engages the terminal, and a resilient arm that provides retaining force. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the lock tab for engagement strength and the resilient arm for retention reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal lock features a lock tab that preliminarily engages the terminal body during installation, establishing a mechanical interlock before the resilient arm fully secures the terminal. This preliminary engagement ensures that the terminal is immediately resistant to pulling forces upon insertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If the terminal lock structure is simplified, then the device complexity is reduced, but the resistance to terminal removal is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterminal lock structureVSAvoidresistance to removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The lock tab features a locally optimized engagement surface with specific geometric characteristics that maximize mechanical interlocking with the terminal body. This local quality enhancement at the critical engagement point provides high removal resistance without requiring complex structures throughout the entire lock assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the lock tab engagement is enhanced, then the terminal retention is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterminal retentionVSAvoidterminal lock structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of making the terminal resilient to resist removal, the invention inverts the approach by making the lock tab rigid and resilient, allowing it to flex during installation and then resiliently retain the terminal. This inversion simplifies the overall structure while maintaining high retention reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS11050181B2Electric terminal connector assembly with a terminal lock

Publication Date: 2021.06.29 LEAR CORP

AI summary

A connector assembly includes a connector housing that defines a terminal cavity. A terminal lock is adapted to retain an electric terminal in the terminal cavity in an installed position. The terminal lock includes a lock arm that extends from the connector housing and a lock tab that extends from the lock arm into the terminal cavity. The terminal lock includes a raised ridge on an outer end of the lock tab.