Adjustable Locking Force Connector Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector technologies face challenges in independently adjusting the locking force, which is affected by the number of contacts, making it difficult to maintain consistent resistance force without increasing manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a first connector part with multiple metal parts arranged in a row and a second connector part with special and normal metal parts, where the special metal part has distinct thickness, width, and material configurations to adjust the resistance force, allowing for independent control of the locking force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the number of contacts is increased to improve locking force, then the locking force increases, but the manufacturing cost increases due to additional parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the metal parts by providing different thicknesses to different metal parts. Specifically, certain metal parts are made thicker than others to provide enhanced locking force. This allows adjustment of the locking force characteristic without changing the number of contacts, thereby resolving the contradiction between improving locking force and maintaining manufacturing cost.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different thickness metal parts are used to adjust locking force, then the locking force becomes adjustable, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making specific metal parts have different thicknesses rather than changing the entire connector structure. Only certain metal parts that require enhanced locking force are made thicker, while other parts maintain their original thickness. This localized differentiation provides locking force adjustability while minimizing the overall complexity increase.
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
Enables adjustable resistance force between connector parts while reducing manufacturing costs by allowing the same metal parts to be connected and transported efficiently, facilitating low-cost production.
Implementation Method 1
each of the second metal parts exerts a resistance force against pull-out of the first connector part from the second connector part
Data Source
AI summary
A plug includes a plurality of plug contacts arranged in a row and a plug housing. The plurality of plug contacts each include first bending portion and the like. The first bending portions and the like are aligned in a direction where the plurality of plug contacts are arranged. The receptacle includes second metal parts and a receptacle housing. When the plug and the receptacle are mated, the plurality of plug contacts of the plug are brought into contact with the plurality of respective second metal parts of the receptacle. When the plug contacts are brought into contact with the respective second metal parts, each of the second metal parts exerts a resistance force against pull-out of the plug from the receptacle. An auxiliary metal fitting exerts a resistance force with different magnitude from the magnitude of the receptacle contact.