Connector Contact Arm Support for Low Profile Fixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors have a high profile due to multiple fixing points, which complicates assembly and increases size, making them less efficient in terms of space usage and stability.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring contacts with a fixed portion, contact arm, and support arm, where the contact arm is resiliently deformable and the support arm contacts the inner wall of the housing groove, allowing for a reduced profile by distributing the fixing force and preventing rotation, thus requiring fewer fixing points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple fixing points are used to secure the terminal, then the fixing strength is improved, but the profile height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-direction fixing approach (multiple points in Z-direction) to a multi-dimensional fixing approach by adding the support arm portion that extends in the width direction (Y-direction) and contacts the inner wall of the holding groove. This dimensional change allows the contact to be restrained in multiple directions without increasing the profile height in the height direction (Z-direction).
Solution Approach 2:
The contact is divided into distinct functional portions: a fixed portion for securing to the housing, a contact arm portion for electrical contact, and a support arm portion for lateral support. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function efficiently, with the support arm portion providing lateral stability without contributing to profile height.
2Reliability
If multiple protrusions are provided on housing wall surfaces for fixing, then the reliability of contact fixation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm portion serves multiple functions: it provides lateral support to the contact arm portion, prevents rotation of the contact, and contacts the inner wall of the holding groove for additional fixation. This multi-functionality improves fixation reliability without requiring separate structural elements, thereby avoiding increased device complexity.
3Length of stationary object
If the fixed portion height is reduced to lower the profile, then the profile height is reduced, but the fixing strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing the support arm portion that contacts the inner wall of the holding groove at a specific location. This localized contact point provides additional fixing strength and rotational prevention without requiring an increase in the overall fixed portion height, thus maintaining the reduced profile while compensating for the reduced fixing strength through targeted local support.
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 a lower profile by reducing the height of the fixed portion and enhancing stability with a single effective fixing point, simplifying assembly and preventing contact arm damage during press-fitting.
Implementation Method 1
The contact arm portion has a contact point and is resiliently deformable to move the contact point in the second direction
Implementation Method 2
The support arm portion comes into contact with the inner wall of the corresponding one of the holding grooves at least when the contact arm portion is resiliently deformed
Data Source
AI summary
A connector has contacts and a housing having holding grooves which accommodate the contacts. Each of the holding grooves has an inner wall extending in a first direction. Each of the contacts has a fixed portion, a contact arm portion and a support arm portion. The fixed portion is fixed to a corresponding one of the holding grooves. The contact arm portion and the support arm portion extend from the fixed portion in the first direction and are disposed apart from each other in a second direction. The contact arm portion has a contact point and is resiliently deformable to move the contact point in the second direction. The support arm portion comes into contact with the inner wall of the corresponding one of the holding grooves at least when the contact arm portion is resiliently deformed so that the contact point comes close to the support arm portion.