Terminal Storage Case with Cover and Grooves for Secure Connector Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric connector designs face challenges in arranging and securely mounting a large number of small connection terminals, as they tend to pop out during arrangement and require time-consuming processes, especially in applications like automotive wiring where multiple terminals are needed.
Innovation Solution
An electric connector with a storage case that temporarily stores connection terminals using a cover, allowing for easy arrangement and secure mounting by utilizing vertically partitioned storage grooves and latching mechanisms to prevent terminals from coming loose.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If connection terminals are arranged directly in the housing without a storage case, then the structure is simpler and size is reduced, but terminals may pop out during arrangement and assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage case allows connection terminals to be temporarily stored and pre-arranged in an organized manner before final installation into the housing. This preliminary arrangement prevents terminals from popping out during assembly and enables faster final installation, directly resolving the contradiction between assembly speed and structural simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If a large number of connection terminals are arranged in parallel without storage case, then no additional components are needed, but terminals arranged earlier may pop out and it takes time to finish arranging
Solution Approach 1:
The storage case divides the arrangement process into two segments: temporary storage/arrangement phase and final installation phase. During the first phase, terminals can be easily placed and secured in the storage case without risk of popping out. This segmentation makes the arrangement process easier and faster, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and time consumption.
3Reliability
If connection terminals are securely latched using conventional case lances, then terminals are prevented from coming off, but the housing size increases and miniaturization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The storage case acts as an intermediary component between the connection terminals and the housing. It provides the latching function through its own structure (with latching protrusions that engage with latching grooves) without requiring the housing itself to have case lances. This intermediary approach maintains terminal retention reliability while keeping the housing compact and suitable for miniaturization.
Data Source
AI summary
[Problem] To allow a plurality of connection terminals to be reliably arranged in a storage case, and the storage case to be placed into a housing.[Means for Resolution] A storage case 1 has a storage portion 2 in which female connection terminals T including connection portions at front ends are arranged in parallel along storage grooves 2d, and a cover 3 that covers the storage portion 2, and tubular temporarily storing portions 2i for inserting tips of connection portions Ta of the female connection terminals T for temporary storage are provided at the fronts of the respective storage grooves 2d.