Connector Contact Retention Structure Using Elastic Lance Reinforcement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector structures fail to reliably prevent contacts from disengaging or coming off, due to gaps allowing movement in the Z-direction, which compromises the secure attachment of contacts.
Innovation Solution
A structure incorporating a retaining reinforcement member formed of an elastic material that is compressed and in close contact with the base portion of lances, regulating their movement and eliminating spaces for disengagement, thereby enhancing the secure attachment of contacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protruding portion is inserted into a hole portion to prevent contact disengagement, then contact security is improved, but gaps remain allowing movement in the Z-direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the retaining reinforcement member from rigid to elastic, allowing it to be compressed and deformable. This enables the member to adapt to the space between the lance and protruding portion, eliminating gaps and preventing contact movement in the Z-direction while maintaining secure contact retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining reinforcement member is formed of an elastic member that can be compressed, allowing it to flex and conform to the available space. This flexible approach eliminates the gap problem while maintaining the contact security function, as the elastic member can be compressed to eliminate movement freedom without compromising its ability to prevent disengagement.
2Reliability
If the distal end of the protruding portion is positioned beyond the lance, then contact disengagement is prevented, but gaps allow movement in the Z-direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an elastic retaining reinforcement member that can be compressed to change its volume and shape. This allows the member to occupy the space between the lance and protruding portion, eliminating gaps and preventing Z-direction movement while maintaining the disengagement prevention function through its elastic retention capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining reinforcement member acts as an intermediary element between the lance and the protruding portion. It fills the gap space and provides continuous contact, preventing both disengagement and Z-direction movement. The elastic nature of this intermediary allows it to adapt to the spatial constraints while maintaining its retention function.
3Reliability
If a retaining reinforcement member is added to eliminate gaps, then contact security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining reinforcement member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it fills gaps, prevents contact movement in the Z-direction, and secures contact attachment. By consolidating these functions into a single elastic member, the patent improves contact security without proportionally increasing device complexity, as one component performs multiple retention and positioning functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic retaining reinforcement member is designed as a flexible, compressible component that can be integrated into the existing connector structure. Its elastic nature allows it to be compressed during assembly and then expand to fill gaps and provide retention, adding minimal structural complexity while significantly improving contact security and eliminating gap-related movement issues.
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 effectively prevents contacts from disengaging by eliminating movement in the Z-direction, providing a more reliable and secure connection compared to previous designs.
Implementation Method 1
the retaining reinforcement member 600 is, at least in part, formed of the elastic member 622; the elastic member 622 is compressed and is in close contact with the base portion 320 or with the lance 310
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A structure comprises a contact, a holding member and a retaining reinforcement member. The contact has an engaged portion. The holding member has a lance, a base portion and a receiving portion. The lance extends in a cantilever manner. The lance has an end in a front-rear direction. The end of the lance is provided with an engaging portion. The base portion is positioned apart from the lance in a perpendicular direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The receiving portion is positioned between the lance and the base portion in the perpendicular direction. The retaining reinforcement member is, at least in part, formed of an elastic member. The retaining reinforcement member is inserted into the receiving portion along the front-rear direction. The elastic member is compressed and is in close contact with the base portion or with the lance, and thereby movement of the lance is regulated.