Connector Abutting Portion Prevents Spring Deformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing floating connectors face issues with plastic deformation and breakage of movable springs due to misalignment during insertion, which can lead to premature failure and are difficult to detect during normal inspections.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an abutting portion in the connector housing that prevents misaligned insertion by engaging with the substrate-side housing, thereby restricting excessive force and preventing plastic deformation of the movable springs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the movable springs are designed to allow large displacement for misalignment absorption, then the fitting smoothness is improved, but the risk of plastic deformation and breakage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefitting smoothnessVSAvoidspring durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The abutting portion is designed to preemptively stop the insertion process when misalignment exceeds the movable range, preventing the movable springs from undergoing plastic deformation or breakage before such damage can occur

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The abutting portion acts as an intermediary mechanical element between the housing and the movable springs, intercepting excessive insertion forces before they can be transmitted to the movable springs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If the connector allows free insertion without alignment restrictions, then the ease of assembly is improved, but the risk of misassembly and damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly easeVSAvoidmisalignment damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The abutting portion provides preliminary opposition to misaligned insertion attempts, automatically preventing harmful misassembly before it can cause damage to the movable springs or other connector components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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

The solution effectively prevents plastic deformation and breakage of movable springs by stopping misaligned insertion, ensuring reliable operation and extending the lifespan of the connectors.

Implementation Method 1

the movable springs elastically deform to displace the fitting-side housing, and this absorbs the misalignment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

an abutting portion that disables the second connector from being inserted into the substrate-side housing by abutting against the other of the substrate-side housing of the first connector and the housing of the second connector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical abutting: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS10074937B2Connector with terminal overstress prevention

Publication Date: 2018.09.11 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

AI summary

In a substrate-side housing of a plug connector and a housing of a socket connector, an abutment receiving portion and a columnar projection are provided to disable the socket connector from being inserted into the substrate-side housing when the socket connector is misaligned beyond a movable range of a fitting-side housing of the plug connector.