Electrical Connector Cantilevered Lock Beam Coupling Force Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors require high forces to couple receptacle and plug connectors, which can be mechanically challenging and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a cantilevered lock beam with a deflection part extending parallel to the substrate surface, assisted by an engagement part that easily deflects the lock beam, reducing the coupling force required through torsion and displacement regulation mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional lock part with convex part and lock hole structure is used, then the connector achieves secure engagement, but high coupling force is required making the assembly operation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The lock beam's deflection part is designed to extend in a direction substantially parallel to the connector mounting surface, changing the orientation parameter of the locking mechanism. This allows the engagement part to push aside and ride over the lock beam more easily, reducing coupling force while maintaining secure engagement through the same locking principle
2Device complexity
If the lock beam extends perpendicular to the substrate surface, then the locking structure is compact, but the engagement part cannot easily deflect the lock beam reducing coupling ease
Solution Approach 1:
The deflection part of the lock beam extends in a direction substantially parallel to the connector mounting surface, transitioning from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation. This dimensional change allows the engagement part to access and deflect the lock beam more easily while the lock beam still provides effective locking when engaged
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
This configuration reduces the force needed to couple the connectors while maintaining secure engagement, allowing for efficient assembly and disassembly with lower operational resistance.
Implementation Method 1
The first connector part and the second connector part are provided with a first assistant fitting and a second assistant fitting, respectively, to ensure coupling strength of the first connector part and the second connector part. The second assistant fitting of the second connector part includes a cantilevered lock beam having a deflection part extending in a direction substantially parallel to a connector mounting surface of the second substrate
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a technique of reducing a force required to couple a receptacle connector and a plug connector. A receptacle assistant fitting of the receptacle connector includes a cantilevered lock beam having a deflection part extending in a direction substantially parallel to a connector mounting surface of a receptacle side substrate and in the outside of a receptacle housing. A plug assistant fitting of the plug connector includes an engagement part that pushes aside the free end of the lock beam and rides over the free end of the lock beam so as to be engaged with the free end of the lock beam when the plug connector and the receptacle connector are coupled to each other.