Cam-Guided Connector Assembly for Stable Terminal Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies with moving plates to protect and align terminals become complicated and unreliable due to additional interlocking structures, and are prone to damage from external forces during temporary coupling.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly design featuring a moving plate with a cam groove and a holder with a moving pin, where the moving plate can be securely maintained in a temporary coupling position using stoppers and a locking mechanism, allowing it to move perpendicular to the coupling direction without separate operating parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a moving plate is installed inside the connector to protect terminals and maintain alignment, then terminal protection and alignment are improved, but the connector assembly configuration becomes complicated due to additional interlocking structures
Solution Approach 1:
The moving plate is integrated directly into the connector housing as a unified structure, eliminating the need for separate interlocking structures and operating parts. The moving plate shares the same material and structural framework with the housing, reducing the number of components while maintaining terminal protection and alignment functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The moving plate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects terminals during insertion, maintains alignment between connectors, and acts as part of the housing structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated structures for each function, simplifying the overall assembly.
2Manufacturing precision
If a moving plate is temporarily coupled to the first connector, then terminal alignment is maintained during insertion, but the temporary coupling state is easily damaged by unwanted external force
Solution Approach 1:
A cam groove with a curved profile is formed in the moving plate, and a corresponding moving pin is provided in the housing. The curved geometry of the cam groove allows the moving plate to transition smoothly from a temporary coupling position to a fully coupled position, while the shape ensures that external forces cannot easily displace the plate from its aligned position.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam groove and moving pin mechanism is designed to preemptively counteract unwanted external forces. The geometric constraint of the cam groove prevents the moving plate from being displaced by lateral or misalignment forces during insertion, ensuring that only the intended insertion motion can move the plate to its final position.
3Ease of operation
If separate interlocking structures are added to operate the moving plate, then the moving plate can be controlled, but the connector assembly becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The moving plate is designed to operate automatically through its own cam groove geometry interacting with the moving pin. The plate's own structure provides the control mechanism, eliminating the need for separate actuators, springs, or complex interlocking structures. The moving plate self-regulates its position during insertion and coupling through the cam groove's geometric constraints.
Data Source
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AI summary
A connector assembly having a moving plate to protect terminals and maintain alignment within a first connector is provided. The connector assembly includes a first connector having a coupling space formed therein and having a plurality of first terminals disposed in the coupling space, a moving plate movably installed in the coupling space and having a terminal hole through which the first terminal passes, and a second connector coupled to one side of the first connector and having a holder moving the moving plate in the coupling space. A cam groove is formed in an external surface of the moving plate. A moving pin, insertable and movable in the cam groove, is formed on the holder, and when the moving plate and the holder are coupled, the moving plate moves in a direction, perpendicular to a coupling direction.