Terminal Retainer With Dual Locking For Connector Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies in automobile circuits and communication transmission face issues with the stable mounting and assembly of connection terminals due to the large number of components required, which leads to scattering, loss, and inconvenient assembly.
Innovation Solution
A terminal retainer with a tubular retaining portion featuring an initial and final locking structure, along with a snap-fit mechanism, that can be pre-assembled with the connector housing, allowing for easy assembly and secure mounting of the connection terminal by transitioning from an initial to a final locking position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple components are used to mount and fix the connection terminal, then the connection terminal can be stably mounted, but the components scatter, are easy to lose, and assembly becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal retainer integrates multiple mounting and fixing functions into a single component. It combines the tubular retaining portion for mounting the connection terminal with locking structures (initial and final locking structures) and an abutting structure for snap-fit mechanisms, eliminating the need for multiple separate components and preventing scattering and loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal retainer is designed with distinct functional segments: the tubular retaining portion for terminal insertion, locking structures for securing positions, and an abutting structure for snap-fit retention. This segmentation allows each feature to perform its specific function while being part of a unified pre-assembled component.
2Reliability
If multiple components are used to mount and fix the connection terminal, then the connection terminal can be stably mounted, but the number of components increases making assembly inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal retainer merges multiple mounting and fixing functions into a single integrated component. It combines the tubular retaining portion, locking structures, and abutting structure into one pre-assembled unit, reducing the total component count and simplifying assembly while maintaining stable mounting of the connection terminal.
3Ease of manufacture
If the terminal retainer has both initial and final locking structures, then the assembly process becomes simpler, but the manufacturing precision requirements may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two distinct stages: initial locking structures for preliminary positioning and final locking structures for secure fixation. This segmentation allows the assembly process to progress through controlled steps, simplifying assembly while managing precision requirements across different functional zones of the terminal retainer.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to a terminal retainer, a connector housing, connector, and connector assembly. The terminal retainer has a tubular retaining part and the tubular retaining part comprises a tube wall and a cavity enclosed by the tube wall; the tubular retaining part axially extends a specified length; the tube wall is provided with a locking mechanism and the locking mechanism comprises an initial locking mechanism and a final locking mechanism which are respectively fitted with a mating mechanism to lock the terminal retainer in an initial locking position and a final locking position, respectively; the tube wall is further provided with an abutment mechanism, and the abutment mechanism is configured to abut against a snap-fit mechanism located in the cavity when the terminal retainer is in the final locking position so that the snap-fit mechanism can be retained in a snap-fit position. The terminal retainer may be preassembled with a connector housing to avoid scattering and loss of parts and to be ready for use.