Terminal Pin Elastic Latch for Secure Connector Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors face challenges in positioning terminal pins effectively due to complex structures, leading to stress and assembly issues, and the use of external fixing pins complicates production and can result in defective products.
Innovation Solution
A terminal pin with an elastic latch and a base design that includes a notch and protruding rib, allowing the terminal pin to be automatically engaged without external fixing pins, ensuring secure positioning and easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If an external fixing pin is inserted into the base to hold the terminal pins, then the terminal pins can be positioned, but the assembly process becomes complicated and production yield is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the positioning function into the terminal pin itself by adding an elastic latch structure to the pin body. The latch includes a stopping tip that engages with a stopping surface in the accommodating aperture, integrating the positioning mechanism directly into the terminal pin rather than requiring a separate external fixing pin. This integration simplifies the assembly process while maintaining effective positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal pin's elastic latch automatically engages with the stopping surface in the accommodating aperture during insertion, providing self-positioning without requiring external fixing components. The elastic deformation of the latch body enables automatic engagement and disengagement, making the terminal pin self-sufficient for positioning purposes.
2Stability of the object's composition
If an external fixing pin is used to position terminal pins, then positioning can be achieved, but assembling failures occur and defective products are produced
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning function is integrated into the terminal pin structure through the elastic latch, eliminating the need for separate external fixing pins. The latch's stopping tip directly engages with the stopping surface in the base, creating a reliable and fail-proof positioning mechanism that is inherent to the terminal pin assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic latch utilizes elastic deformation as a key parameter, allowing the latch body to flex during insertion and then return to its original position to engage the stopping surface. This elastic parameter change ensures reliable engagement without requiring precise external positioning, thereby improving assembly reliability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the insertion hole of the fixing pin is located at the front surface, then positioning can be provided, but users may mistakenly insert external terminal pins causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the external fixing pin and its associated insertion hole from the front surface of the base. Instead, the positioning function is achieved through the elastic latch on the terminal pin engaging with a stopping surface within the accommodating aperture. This extraction eliminates the source of user error and potential damage from mistaken insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of user error into a benefit by designing the stopping surface to be accessible only through the accommodating aperture during proper terminal pin insertion. The elastic latch mechanism ensures that only correctly oriented terminal pins can engage, preventing mistaken insertion of external objects while maintaining effective positioning.
4Stability of the object's composition
If complicated structures are provided in the through holes for positioning terminal pins, then positioning can be achieved, but the base structure becomes complex and cannot be easily molded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex positioning structure from the base and relocates it to the terminal pin itself through the elastic latch mechanism. The base only requires a simple stopping surface within the accommodating aperture, which can be easily molded into the base structure without complicating the overall base design or manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing positioning structures within the base's through holes, the patent inverts the approach by equipping the terminal pin with the positioning mechanism (elastic latch with stopping tip). This inversion simplifies the base structure to only require the stopping surface, making the base easier to mold while maintaining effective positioning functionality.
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
This solution eliminates the need for external fixing pins, simplifying the assembly process, reducing production defects, and enhancing the secure fixation of terminal pins within the electrical connector.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic latch (120) connected to the pin body (110), which normally protrudes from the pin body (110)
Implementation Method 2
the pin body includes an elastic clamping member, disposed at the first end
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal pin includes a pin body and an elastic latch. The pin body has a first end and a second end. The elastic latch is connected to the pin body and normally protrudes from the pin body with a stopping tip extending toward the second end. An electrical connector is also provided, which includes a base and the terminal pin. The base includes an accommodating aperture defined through the base. A notch is formed in the accommodating aperture and recessed from an inner wall of the accommodating aperture. The notch includes a stopping surface. The terminal pin is inserted into the accommodating aperture with the stopping tip of the elastic latch abutted against the stopping surface.