Connector Contact Locking Structure to Prevent Housing Puncture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Female connectors in vehicles easily detach from plastic housings due to external forces, compromising their functionality and service life.
Innovation Solution
A contact design with a locking surface positioned away from the shear point, reducing the action force on the housing and incorporating a locking portion with a specific angle and dimensions to prevent detachment, along with a stopping surface for enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the locking surface is positioned opposite to the shear position, then the locking force is maximized, but the housing is easily punctured and the contact falls off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful function of the locking surface being opposite to the shear position by repositioning it. The locking surface is specifically positioned away from the shear position (at an angle of 30-60 degrees relative to the shear position), so that when the contact is locked in the housing, the locking surface does not coincide with the shear position, thereby avoiding housing puncture while maintaining locking effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a stopping surface as an intermediary element between the locking surface and the shear position. The stopping surface is positioned at the shear position to bear the shear force, while the locking surface is positioned away from it to provide locking force without causing puncture. This intermediary structure separates the locking function from the shear force bearing function
2Ease of manufacture
If the contact structure is simplified, then the manufacturing is easier, but the assembly stability between contact and housing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by giving specific geometric characteristics to particular parts of the contact structure. The locking portion has a locking surface with specific dimensions (length L1: 0.5-1.5mm, width L2: 0.3-1.0mm) and angle (30-60 degrees), while other parts maintain simple geometries. This localized optimization ensures assembly stability without complicating the overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes specific parameters of the locking surface to achieve both simplicity and stability. The locking surface angle is set between 30-60 degrees, and the dimensions are constrained within specific ranges (L1: 0.5-1.5mm, L2: 0.3-1.0mm). These parameter optimizations ensure adequate locking force and assembly stability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A contact, a first connector, a connector assembly, an electronic device, and a vehicle. The contact for a first connector includes a main body. The main body has a locking surface. The locking surface is configured not to be opposite to a shear position when the locking surface is locked with a housing of the first connector. According to the contact for a first connector according to the present disclosure, the contact has a simple structure. When the contact is configured for the first connector, the contact does not easily fall off from an interior of the housing, and the assembly stability between the contact and the housing is improved.