Connector Cover Segmentation for Reduced Insertion Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connector devices require higher insertion force when female terminal contact portions are inserted into insertion openings due to the presence of a cover that prevents the male terminal contact portion from being exposed, leading to increased mechanical stress and potential exposure risks.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring an insulating member with a storage space for the male terminal contact portion, where the female terminal contact portions are equipped with elastically deformable spring contacts and a cover divided into sections that come into contact with these spring contacts during insertion, reducing the insertion force and preventing exposure of the male terminal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cover is added to prevent male terminal exposure, then safety is improved, but insertion force increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is divided into multiple sections (first cover section and second cover section) that can independently elastically deform. This segmentation allows each section to flexibly contact the spring contacts, distributing the insertion force and reducing the overall force required while maintaining the protective function.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover sections are designed to be elastically deformable rather than rigid. During insertion, the cover sections dynamically adjust their shape to contact the spring contacts, enabling a progressive engagement that reduces peak insertion force while still preventing male terminal exposure.
2Force
If spring contacts are made elastically deformable, then insertion force is reduced, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring contacts are integrated directly into the female terminal contact portions, combining the contact function and the elastic deformation function into a single component. This merging reduces structural complexity compared to having separate spring mechanisms while still achieving reduced insertion force through elastic deformation.
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 reduces the insertion force required for female terminal contact portions and prevents the male terminal from being exposed, enhancing the mechanical stability and safety of the connector device.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of spring contacts elastically deformable in an extraction direction which is an opposite direction of an insertion direction
Implementation Method 2
the first section and the second section are configured to come into contact with the plurality of spring contacts when the male terminal contact portion is inserted between the pair of female terminal contact portions, the first section and the second section being elastically deformable at least in the opposing direction on contact with the plurality of spring contacts
Data Source
AI summary
A cover has both ends in an extension direction being connected to an insulating member body. A dividing portion formed in a part of the extension direction divides the cover into a first section and a second section. The first section and the second section come into contact with a spring contact when a male terminal contact portion is inserted between a pair of female terminal contact portions. On contact with the spring contact, the first section and the second section elastically deform at least in an opposing direction.