Electrical Connector Floating Terminal Vibration Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connecting structures between electrical connectors and mating members on circuit boards face issues with friction and relative movement during external vibrations, leading to potential wear or damage due to spring forces, which existing technologies do not adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A connecting structure with a terminal that includes a fixed side held portion, a movable side held portion, and an elastic portion, where the elastic portion is regulated to deform within a specific range, ensuring the spring force is less than the holding force between the contact portions, preventing relative movement and maintaining contact even under vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the terminal includes an elastic piece that extends to the bottom portion of the movable housing with a movable portion formed in an open loop shape, then the movable housing is capable of moving in any direction and floating is achieved, but the terminal may shift relative to the mating side terminal during external vibrations causing friction and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the elastic piece by forming it with a specific cross-sectional shape (where one dimension is larger than the other) and configuring the movable portion with specific curvature radii relationships (inner radius smaller than outer radius). These parameter changes enable the elastic piece to provide both floating capability and vibration resistance by optimizing its deformation characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structural function by integrating the elastic piece with differentiated cross-sectional characteristics along its length. The varying cross-sectional geometry (different widths at different portions) creates zones with different stiffness properties, allowing the single component to simultaneously achieve floating and contact stability functions.
2Reliability
If the spring force of the elastic portion is increased to maintain contact pressure, then the holding force is improved, but the terminal becomes harder to pull out for disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the spring force parameter by carefully designing the elastic portion's geometry (cross-sectional dimensions, length, curvature) to achieve a specific force range. The spring force is set to be sufficient for maintaining contact pressure during operation but not excessive to prevent easy disconnection when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by providing the elastic portion with just enough spring force to maintain reliable contact during normal operation, rather than maximizing the force. This allows the connection to be secure during use while still permitting disconnection when a pulling force is applied.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the elastic portion is allowed to deform freely, then the floating capability is maximized, but the terminal shifts during vibrations causing friction and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the elastic deformation behavior by changing the geometric parameters of the elastic portion, including its cross-sectional dimensions and length. These parameter changes regulate the deformation range to provide sufficient floating capability while limiting excessive movement that would cause vibration-induced friction and wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by designing the elastic portion with specific geometric constraints (cross-sectional shape, movable portion configuration) that preemptively counteract vibration-induced shifts. The structure is pre-configured to resist harmful vibrations while maintaining necessary floating capability.
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
This configuration effectively prevents the terminal from shifting relative to the mating member during vibrations, minimizing wear and maintaining contact integrity, while allowing the connector to be securely pulled out with a force greater than the regulated spring force.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic portion capable of elastically deforming; the elastic portion is regulated to deform within a specific range, ensuring the spring force is less than the holding force between the contact portions
Data Source
Figure 1(A)~1(B)
Figure 2(A)~2(B)
Figure 3(A)~3(B)
AI summary
An electrical connector includes a housing formed of a fixed housing and a movable housing movable relative to the fixed housing. The connector further includes a terminal. The terminal includes a connecting portion to be connected to the electrical circuit board and a contact portion to be contacted with the mating connecting member. The terminal further includes a fixed side held portion, a movable side held portion, and an elastic portion. The connecting structure further includes a regulating portion for regulating the elastic portion from elastically deforming within a specific elastic deformation range. The elastic portion is configured to have a specific elastic deformation range. When the electrical connector is connected to the mating connecting member, the spring force is smaller than a holding force between the contact portion of the terminal and the mating connecting member in a direction that the electrical connector is pulled out.