Connector Locking Structure with Crushed Cantilever Claw
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for coaxial cables, such as automotive antenna plugs, face issues with insufficient contact pressure between the plug pin and center conductor, leading to increased contact resistance and reduced connecting reliability, while also being complex and low in productivity.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a cantilever beam retaining member with a projecting portion on the retaining claw that is crushed by the edge of the retaining hole, ensuring secure engagement without backlash, and a press-contacting connecting structure for the coaxial cable, simplifying the assembly and enhancing operational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the plug pin is press-fitted into the insulating housing using the engagement rib and engagement notch structure, then the assembly is simple and productivity is improved, but the contact pressure between the plug pin and center conductor is insufficient leading to increased contact resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining member is divided into distinct functional portions: an engagement portion that interfaces with the engagement rib, and a retaining claw portion that bites into the plug pin. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each function - the engagement portion provides simple assembly while the retaining claw portion ensures secure fixation and adequate contact pressure
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of relying solely on the engagement rib and notch for both positioning and retention, the invention inverts the retention mechanism by having the retaining claw actively bite into the plug pin body. This reverse approach - where the housing retains the plug pin through positive mechanical engagement rather than passive fitting - ensures sufficient contact pressure while maintaining assembly simplicity
2Device complexity
If the retaining claws are engaged in the retaining holes through the existing press-fitting process, then the structure is simple, but the plug pin can move relative to the insulating housing causing insufficient contact pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining claw portion is designed with specific dimensional parameters - its width is made larger than the retaining hole opening, and its shape is optimized to be crushable by the plug pin edge. These parameter changes enable the claw to deform plastically during assembly, creating a interference fit that eliminates backlash and ensures adequate contact pressure while keeping the structure simple
3Reliability
If the projecting portion of the retaining claw is crushed by the edge portion of the retaining hole, then the retaining engagement is secure without backlash, but the manufacturing precision requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plug pin itself serves as the tool that crushes and deforms the retaining claw during the normal assembly process. As the plug pin is inserted into the insulating housing, its edge portion automatically crushes the projecting portion of the retaining claw, creating the interference fit. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate crushing operations or specialized tooling, reducing manufacturing precision requirements while ensuring reliable retention
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 design achieves high connecting reliability by preventing relative motion between the plug pin and insulating housing, ensuring stable contact pressure and reducing contact resistance, while improving productivity and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the projecting portion is crushed by an edge portion of the retaining hole when the retaining claw portion is engaged with the retaining hole
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes an electrically conductive plug provided with a retaining hole, and an insulating housing that has a retaining member shaped in a cantilever beam. The retaining member has a retaining claw portion. The retaining claw portion has a projecting portion formed at a proximal end side of the retaining member. The projecting portion is crashed by an edge portion of the retaining hole when the retaining claw portion is engaged with the retaining hole.