Connector Ground Contact Positioning and Spring Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connector design has a ground contact point positioned too far from the front end, leading to potential premature connection between contacts before the ground contact point connects to the mating shell.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a ground member with a base portion, a ground spring, and a ground contact point supported by third springs, which are positioned to project into the connection space, ensuring the ground contact point is close to the front end and resiliently supported, allowing for a longer spring length within a limited space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ground contact point is provided to the shell as in prior art, then the shielding performance is maintained, but the ground contact point position is too far from the front end causing premature contact connection
Solution Approach 1:
The ground contact function is segmented from the shell and assigned to a separate ground member. This allows the ground contact point to be independently positioned closer to the front end while the shell maintains its shielding function. The ground member includes a base portion, ground spring, and ground contact point that can be separately configured.
Solution Approach 2:
A ground member acts as an intermediary component between the shell and the ground contact point. This intermediary structure enables the ground contact point to be positioned optimally near the front end while maintaining electrical connection to the shell through the base portion and ground spring mechanism.
2Reliability
If the ground contact point is moved closer to the front end, then premature connection is prevented, but the spring length must be extended within limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The ground spring is configured to extend in multiple directions rather than a single linear path. The spring extends in a front-rear direction, then laterally, then forward again, utilizing three-dimensional space to achieve sufficient spring length without occupying excessive linear space within the connector body.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground spring is positioned within the limited space of the connector body, with its multi-directional extension allowing it to nest efficiently within the available volume. The spring structure is arranged to fit within the connector's internal cavity while maintaining adequate length for proper contact pressure.
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 design enhances the flexibility of the ground contact point's position, ensuring a sufficient contact pressure and maintaining equivalent electrical function while positioning the ground contact point closer to the front end, preventing premature connections.
Implementation Method 1
a ground spring extending from the base portion and a ground contact point which is to be connected to the mating ground portion. The ground spring has a first spring extending rearward in the front-rear direction
Data Source
AI summary
A mating connector, that includes a mating ground portion, includes a holding member, a contact, a shell and a ground member. The holding member is formed of an insulating body defining a connection space, the contact has a contact point which is held by the holding member to be positioned in the connection space, the shell covers, at least in part, the holding member in a plane perpendicular to a front-rear direction, and the ground member is electrically connected with the shell and has a base portion positioned between the holding member and the shell. A ground spring extends from the base portion and a ground contact point to be connected to the mating ground portion, and has first, second and third springs. The third spring is inward of the second spring, and supports the ground contact point to project into the connection space.