Connector Ground Member Spring Design for Reliable Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connector designs have ground contact point portions positioned too far from the front end, leading to a possibility of premature connection before the ground contact point portions engage with the mating shell.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a ground member with a base portion, spring portions, and a contact point, where the ground spring portion extends to support the ground contact point near the front end, ensuring proper alignment and secure contact with the mating ground portion, even in limited space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ground contact point portion is integrated with the shell, then the grounding function is provided, but the ground contact point position cannot be moved close to the front end
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the ground contact point function from the shell structure by introducing a distinct ground member. This segmentation allows the ground contact point to be positioned independently near the front end while the shell maintains its shielding function, resolving the contradiction between grounding reliability and positional flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground member acts as an intermediary element between the shell and the mating ground portion. It provides the grounding function while enabling the ground contact point to be positioned close to the front end, thus mediating between the shell's shielding role and the need for forward ground contact.
2Device complexity
If the ground contact point is positioned far from the front end, then the shell structure is simple, but connection may occur before ground contact
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the ground contact function into an independent ground member, the invention enables repositioning the ground contact point near the front end without complicating the overall shell structure. This segmentation ensures ground contact occurs first, improving connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground member extends in the front-rear direction with spring portions that provide resilience. This dimensional arrangement allows the ground contact point to reach forward while the base portion remains positioned appropriately, solving the timing issue through spatial configuration.
3Reliability
If the ground contact point is moved near the front end, then ground contact timing is improved, but the spring portion length is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ground spring portion uses a multi-dimensional path (first spring portion in front-rear direction, second spring portion in lateral direction, third spring portion in front-rear direction) to achieve sufficient spring length while keeping the ground contact point near the front end. This resolves the contradiction by utilizing three-dimensional space efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground spring portion is designed as a resilient, dynamic structure with multiple segments that can deform to provide the necessary contact pressure. This dynamic design compensates for the reduced straight-line spring length by utilizing elastic deformation in multiple directions.
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 structural freedom and resilience of the ground contact point, providing effective grounding with increased contact pressure and maintaining electrical characteristics similar to having the ground contact point on the shell.
Implementation Method 1
The ground spring portion extends from the base portion. The ground spring portion has a first spring portion, a second spring portion and a third spring portion... The ground contact point portion is supported by the third spring portion and protrudes into the connection space
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a holding member, a contact, a shell and a ground member. The holding member is made of insulator defining a connection space. The contact has a contact point. The contact is held by the holding member. The contact point is located inside the connection space. The ground member is electrically connected to the shell. The ground member has a base portion, a ground spring portion and a ground contact point portion. The base portion is located between the holding member and the shell. The base portion is provided with a regulated portion sandwiched between the shell and the holding member. The ground spring portion extends from the base portion. The ground contact point portion is supported by the ground spring portion and protrudes into the connection space. In the front-rear direction, a position of the ground spring portion does not overlap with a position of the contact.