Connector Coupling Device Resisting Twisting Forces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors are inadequate in preventing twisting and axial pull forces, which can cause misalignment of electrical contacts and damage, reducing signal transmission performance and connector integrity.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector features a coupling device with elongated stem, first and second latch arms, and return spring beams that pivot between locking and depressed positions, providing a wide latching stance to securely engage mating connectors and resist twisting forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a centrally located latching mechanism is used, then the connector structure is simple, but the resistance against twisting forces is insufficient causing misalignment of electrical contacts
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is divided into multiple independent latch arms (first latch arm and second latch arm) positioned at different locations across the connector width. Each latch arm independently engages with the mating connector, distributing the resistance against twisting forces across multiple points rather than relying on a single central latching point.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch arms extend laterally across the width of the connector, adding a dimensional span to the latching mechanism. This wide lateral distribution of latch arms creates a broader base of resistance against twisting moments, effectively converting a point-latching approach into a distributed line-latching approach across the connector face.
2Manufacturing precision
If a centrally located latching mechanism is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the electrical contacts near lateral edges misalign reducing signal transmission performance
Solution Approach 1:
The latching function is segmented into multiple latch arms positioned at different lateral locations. This segmentation allows each latch arm to independently maintain alignment at its specific location, ensuring that electrical contacts across the entire width of the connector remain properly aligned during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Each latch arm is positioned at a specific location across the connector width to provide localized stabilization. The first latch arm engages at one lateral region while the second latch arm engages at another lateral region, creating locally optimized contact alignment at each position rather than relying on a single central latching point.
3Force
If a centrally located latching mechanism is used, then the device structure is simple, but axial pull forces can cause connector separation
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device incorporates multiple latch arms that engage with the mating connector at different locations. This segmentation distributes the axial pull force across multiple engagement points, preventing any single point from bearing the entire load and reducing the likelihood of connector separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device merges multiple functions into a single integrated structure: the stem provides the pivot axis, while multiple latch arms extend from the stem to provide both lateral stabilization and axial force resistance. This combination creates a unified coupling mechanism that addresses both twisting and pulling forces simultaneously.
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 enhances the stability of the connector coupling, effectively resisting twisting forces and axial pull, maintaining contact alignment and integrity, and preventing damage, thereby improving signal transmission performance.
Implementation Method 1
The return spring beam engages the housing to bias the coupling device to the locking position
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes a housing holding electrical conductors and a coupling device mounted to the housing for coupling the electrical connector to a mating connector. The coupling device includes an elongated stem and first and second latch arms that are located at least proximate to ends of the stem. The latch arms extend from the stem and have hook tips at distal ends thereof. The coupling device further includes a return spring beam extending from the stem and located between the latch arms. The coupling device pivots between a locking position and a depressed position. The hook tips of the latch arms protrude beyond a mating interface surface of the housing a greater extent when in the locking position than when in the depressed position to latch onto the mating connector. The return spring beam engages the housing to bias the coupling device to the locking position.