Connector Assembly Biasing Mechanism for Terminal Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connector assembly experiences frictional forces between paired terminals due to relative movement under tensile and press-fitting forces, leading to instability in the position of the plug and receptacle connectors.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating resilient members that generate a biasing force between the plug and receptacle connectors, with a restricting portion in the receptacle and a restricted portion in the plug, to maintain stable terminal contact and prevent frictional forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If resilient members are added to generate biasing force, then terminal contact stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient members are integrated into the connector housing structure, merging the biasing function with the structural components. The resilient members are positioned within the housing and work in conjunction with the restricting portions, combining multiple functions (structural support, biasing force generation, and movement restriction) into a unified design that improves reliability without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient members automatically generate biasing force to maintain terminal contact stability without requiring external control mechanisms. The self-service nature of the resilient members providing continuous biasing force improves reliability while keeping the system simple, as no additional control systems are needed
2Reliability
If restricting portions are formed to limit relative displacement, then connector position stability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The restricting portions are segmented into specific locations within the housing, creating discrete stop points that limit relative displacement. By segmenting the restriction function into specific geometric features rather than requiring precision across the entire interface, the manufacturing precision requirement is reduced while maintaining position stability
Solution Approach 2:
The design changes the approach from requiring high dimensional precision to using geometric forms (restricting portions) that inherently limit displacement. The restricting portions are designed with dimensions and positions that provide stable positioning through their form rather than requiring tight tolerances on all mating surfaces
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 ensures stable terminal contact and suppresses frictional forces between the connectors, even under tensile forces, by maintaining a constant rearward bias on the plug connector, thus stabilizing the relative position of the plug and receptacle connectors.
Implementation Method 1
resilient members that generate a biasing force between the plug connector and receptacle connector
Data Source
AI summary
In the plug connector, the front end side of a fiber optic cable used for optical signal transmission is connected to, and rearwardly extends from, the rear end side of said plug connector and lateral terminals are arranged in each of a pair of lateral edge portions that extend in the forward-backward direction; at least one of the plug connector and receptacle connector has provided therein resilient members that generate a biasing force between the plug connector and receptacle connector in the forward-backward direction; and, a restricting portion, which provides a limiting value for the distance of relative displacement of the plug connector with respect to the receptacle connector in the direction of the biasing force under the action of the above-mentioned biasing force, is formed in the receptacle connector, and a restricted portion is formed in the plug connector.