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Retention force

The maximum force that can be applied to a single contact (terminal) without causing it to detach from its correct position in the connector cavity. This force may have two different values: one value is the installation of relevant wedge blocks (TPA, PLR, etc.), and the other value is the absence of such assistance.

 

The holding force test is a key test to evaluate the fixing performance of connector terminals (contacts) in the connector cavity, aiming to measure the maximum force at which the terminals will not detach from their correct position when subjected to external forces. This test is usually divided into two situations: one is when auxiliary fixing devices (such as wedge blocks, TPA (Terminal Position Assurance Device), PLR (Terminal Position Locking Device), etc.) are installed, and the other is when such auxiliary devices are not installed. The following are the key elements and steps of holding force testing:

 

1. Test objectives
Retention force: Measure the maximum external force that the terminal can withstand in the connector cavity without detaching.

Effect of auxiliary devices: Evaluate the impact of auxiliary fixation devices (such as TPA, PLR) on holding force.

Reliability: Ensure that the terminal will not loosen or fall off under vibration, impact, or external force.

 

2. Testing conditions
Testing equipment: Use a tensile testing machine or a specialized holding force tester.

Test speed: usually 25-50 mm/min, simulating actual external forces.

Test direction: Apply force in the opposite direction of terminal insertion.

Environmental conditions: Test under standard conditions (such as temperature of 25 ° C and humidity of 50%), or simulate extreme environments for additional testing.

 

3. Testing equipment
Tensile testing machine: It can accurately control the testing speed and measure the force value.

Special fixtures: used to secure connectors and terminals to ensure testing consistency.

Data logger: Record the change curve of retention force.

 

4. Testing steps
prepare

Clean the connectors and terminals to ensure that there is no dust or foreign matter affecting the test results.

Insert the terminal correctly into the connector cavity.

Install auxiliary devices (if applicable):

Install auxiliary fixing devices such as TPA and PLR.

Fixed connector:

Fix the connector onto the testing equipment.

Apply force:

Start the testing equipment and apply force in the opposite direction of terminal insertion at a specified speed.

Record the maximum force value when the terminal is detached from the connector cavity.

Repeated testing:

Test multiple terminals and connectors and record the holding force each time.

Data analysis:

Calculate the average, maximum, and minimum values of retention force.

Compare the difference in holding force between installing and not installing auxiliary devices.

 

5. Judgment criteria
Minimum holding force: It is usually required that the holding force is not lower than the specified value (such as 15N) to ensure that the terminal will not detach under vibration or impact.

Auxiliary device effect: After installing the auxiliary device, the holding force should be significantly increased (such as by more than 50%).

Consistency: After multiple tests, the holding force should remain stable without significant changes.

 

6. Improvement measures
Optimize terminal design: add barbed or locking structures to the terminals to improve retention.

Improve connector cavity: Optimize the internal structure of the cavity and increase the fixing force on the terminals.

Use auxiliary devices: Install TPA, PLR and other auxiliary fixing devices to significantly improve retention force.

Material selection: Choose materials with high elasticity or strength to improve the mechanical properties of terminals and connectors.

 

7. Common standards
USCAR-2: Standard for Automotive Electrical Connector Systems.

IEC 60512: Testing standard for electronic device connectors.

EIA-364-36: Electronic connector retention force testing standard.

GB/T 5095: Chinese Electronic Equipment Connector Testing Standard.

 

8. Precautions
Test consistency: Ensure that the applied force and direction are consistent for each test.

Cleaning and maintenance: Regularly clean the terminals and connectors to avoid contamination that may affect the test results.

Environmental simulation: Consider the impact of environmental factors such as temperature and humidity on retention force.

Safe operation: Avoid applying force too quickly during testing to prevent damage to terminals or connectors.

By conducting a holding force test, the fixing performance of the terminal in the connector cavity can be evaluated to ensure sufficient mechanical stability in practical use, while verifying the effectiveness of the auxiliary fixing device to meet design and application requirements.

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