Low Insertion Force Connector Assembly with Dynamic Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connector assemblies face challenges with high insertion forces and poor contact stability, especially when coupling multiple connectors, leading to difficulties in inserting or separating connection components and potential damage due to external forces.
Innovation Solution
A low insertion force connector assembly is designed with a first connector featuring an insertion groove and protruding portions, and a second connector with concave portions, allowing for easy and rigid coupling between the two, along with a semiconductor component test apparatus that uses pin modules and driving shafts to ensure stable contact without requiring significant force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If strong pressurizing forces are applied to connector pins against connection components, then electrical contacts are improved, but frictional forces increase making insertion and separation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs a dynamic locking mechanism where the locking protrusion and locking groove engage after insertion to maintain strong pressurizing forces for reliable electrical contacts, while the insertion groove guide surfaces enable easy insertion. The driving shaft mechanism dynamically adjusts the contact pressure after insertion without requiring continuous force during insertion or separation operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector structure is segmented into distinct functional components: insertion groove for guidance, contact pins for electrical connection, and locking protrusion/groove for securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the insertion groove facilitates easy insertion while the locking mechanism ensures strong pressurizing forces for reliable contacts.
2Productivity
If multiple pins are mounted on the connector or multiple connection components are inserted simultaneously, then connectivity is improved, but insertion force required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The connector uses a dynamic engagement mechanism where the insertion groove guide surfaces facilitate simultaneous insertion of multiple pins without requiring proportionally increased force. The locking mechanism engages after insertion to secure all contacts, distributing the force requirement across the insertion and locking phases rather than requiring high force throughout the entire insertion process.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion groove acts as an intermediary element that guides multiple pins during insertion, reducing the direct frictional resistance between pins and connector body. The guide surfaces of the insertion groove mediate the insertion process, enabling simultaneous multi-pin insertion with reduced force requirements compared to direct insertion without guidance.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional connector structures are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but coupling rigidity and contact stability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into modular components with standardized features: insertion groove with guide surfaces, contact pins, locking protrusion, and driving shaft. This modular segmentation maintains manufacturing simplicity through standardized parts while achieving improved coupling rigidity and contact stability through the coordinated interaction of these segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates dynamic elements such as the driving shaft mechanism and engagement-based locking that enhance coupling rigidity and contact stability without requiring complex manufacturing. The dynamic engagement of locking protrusion and groove provides inherent stability while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A low insertion force connector assembly includes a first connector and a second connector which are detachably coupled to each other, wherein the first connector and the second connector are easily assembled to prevent contact failure and are firmly assembled to each other to improve dimensional stability, and it is easy to assemble and manufacture the connectors.