Connector Ground Member with Integrated Lock Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors face challenges in adjusting the positional relation between contacts and a ground plate while maintaining cost-effectiveness, as they often require multiple components that increase production costs.
Innovation Solution
A connector design incorporating a ground member with integrated flat plate-like body and lock springs, along with first and second arrangement members and a holding member, allows for easier adjustment of positional relations among contacts and the ground member, reducing the number of components and thus the cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple separate components (holding member, ground plate, lock members) are used in the connector, then the structural function is achieved, but the number of components increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ground member integrates three separate components into one unified structure: the ground plate body portion, the lock spring, and the coupling portion. This merging eliminates the need for separate holding members and lock members, reducing the total component count while maintaining all necessary functions including grounding, locking, and structural support
Solution Approach 2:
The ground member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the ground plate for electrical grounding, acts as a lock mechanism through the integrated lock spring, and provides structural support through the body portion. This multi-functionality reduces the number of specialized components needed in the connector assembly
2Ease of operation
If a single holding member is used to hold contacts and ground plate, then the structure is simple, but the positional relation between contacts and ground plate is difficult to adjust
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate functional modules: the ground member with integrated lock spring, the first arrangement member for first contacts, and the second arrangement member for second contacts. This segmentation allows each module to be independently adjusted and positioned, making it easier to achieve precise positional relationships while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
3Device complexity
If the ground member integrates body portion and lock spring, then the number of components is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity of the ground member increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ground member is manufactured from a single piece of conductive material with specific physical parameters: the body portion provides structural dimensions, the lock spring is formed with elastic properties through material selection and geometric design, and the coupling portion is shaped for mechanical engagement. By controlling these parameters during manufacturing, the integrated structure achieves all required functions without excessive manufacturing complexity
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 suppresses the increase in the number of components, making it easier to adjust the positional relation among contacts and the ground member, while preventing an extreme increase in cost and maintaining the shielding effect.
Implementation Method 1
The lock spring has a lock portion which is to lock a locked portion of the mating connector
Data Source
AI summary
A connector, which can mate with an opposing connector in a mating direction, is provided with a first alignment member, a second alignment member, a plurality of first contacts, a plurality of second contacts, a ground member, and a holding member. The first alignment member aligns the first contacts in a pitch direction, and the second alignment member aligns the second contacts in said pitch direction. The ground member has a main section, a locking spring section, and a connecting section. The locking spring section has a locking part that locks to a locking-target part on the opposing connector. The connecting section connects the main section to the locking spring section. The holding member holds the first alignment member, the second alignment member, and the ground member together such that the main section of the ground member is positioned between the first alignment member and the second alignment member.