Plug-Receptacle Connector Alignment Structure for Contact Reliability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors face issues with low contact reliability due to the springiness and toughness of plug and receptacle terminals, which can lead to interference and breakage when mating positions are misaligned.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a plug and receptacle with specific regions and projections/grooves that align and connect, along with differing elasticity between plug and receptacle terminals, enhancing contact reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If plug terminals and receptacle terminals have springiness to ensure contact flexibility, then contact adaptability is improved, but strength and toughness are reduced making them susceptible to breakage when misaligned
Solution Approach 1:
The plug surface is divided into multiple regions (first plug region, second plug region, third plug region) separated by projecting parts, and the receptacle surface is divided into corresponding regions by grooves. This segmentation allows different regions to have specialized functions: some terminals maintain springiness for adaptability while others provide structural support for strength, resolving the contradiction between contact flexibility and terminal durability
Solution Approach 2:
The connector employs a composite structure combining rigid projecting parts and grooves with flexible plug and receptacle terminals. The rigid elements (projecting parts, grooves, and main bodies) provide structural strength and alignment, while the flexible terminals maintain springiness for reliable contact, creating a composite system that achieves both strength and adaptability simultaneously
2Reliability
If plug terminals and receptacle terminals project from the surface to ensure contact, then contact reliability is improved, but toughness is reduced making them vulnerable to interference and breakage from misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The projecting parts on the plug surface and grooves on the receptacle surface are designed to engage first during the mating process. This preliminary action establishes proper alignment and positional guidance before the plug terminals and receptacle terminals make contact, preventing misalignment-induced breakage while maintaining reliable terminal contact
Solution Approach 2:
The projecting parts and grooves act as intermediary elements between the plug main body and receptacle main body. These intermediaries provide alignment guidance and mechanical interlocking, protecting the vulnerable plug and receptacle terminals from direct interference and breakage caused by misalignment while ensuring reliable terminal-to-terminal contact
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a connector with enhanced contact reliability.A connector includes a plug and a receptacle connected to the plug. The plug includes a plug main body having a plug surface including a first plug region, a second plug region, and a third plug region, a plurality of projecting parts including a first projecting part and a second projecting part projecting from the plug surface, and a plurality of plug terminals projecting lower than the projecting parts from the plug surface. The receptacle includes a receptacle main body having a receptacle surface including a first receptacle region, a second receptacle region, and a third receptacle region, where a first groove and a second groove are formed on the receptacle surface, and a plurality of receptacle terminals.