Electrical Connector Stability via Collapsible Legs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Typical electrical connectors tend to topple during transportation to the pressing area, necessitating re-assembly before press fitting onto a substrate.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of collapsible legs or pegs into the electrical connector design to provide stability during transport, which can rest on the substrate as a backstop and remain attached after seating, preventing toppling and eliminating debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electrical connectors are loosely mounted onto a substrate for transport, then ease of assembly is improved, but stability during transportation deteriorates causing toppling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic stability elements (collapsible legs and pegs) that transition from an extended stable configuration during transport to a collapsed state during press-fitting. These elements are designed to be rigid during transportation to prevent toppling, then collapse under pressing force to allow proper seating of the connector on the substrate.
Solution Approach 2:
The stability system is segmented into separate collapsible components (legs and pegs) that can independently extend during transport and collapse during assembly. This segmentation allows the stability function to be activated only when needed during transportation, while not interfering with the press-fitting process.
2Stability of the object's composition
If stability structures are added to prevent toppling, then stability during transportation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stability elements (collapsible legs and pegs) are integrated directly into the connector housing structure through molding, eliminating the need for separate attachment mechanisms. This merging of functions reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the stability benefit during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The stability elements utilize changes in physical parameters (collapse under pressure) to transition between stable and non-stable states. The material properties and geometric parameters are designed to allow automatic collapse when subjected to pressing forces, providing stability during transport without requiring complex control mechanisms.
3Stability of the object's composition
If collapsible legs are molded to the connector, then stability during transport is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collapsible legs are molded as an integrated part of the connector housing in a single manufacturing process. This merging of components eliminates the need for separate assembly steps to attach stability elements, thereby improving ease of manufacture despite the added geometric complexity of the collapsible structure.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector may include a connector housing and a first alignment post. The first alignment post may extend from the bottom of the connector housing. The electrical connector may further include a protrusion that extends from the bottom of the connector housing. The protrusion may impede the electrical connector from tipping in at least one direction relative to a substrate. Additionally, the protrusion may be positioned relative to the center of gravity of the electrical connector to impede the electrically connector from tipping in at least one direction relative to the substrate.