Electrical Connector Ground Terminal Structure for Stable Mating Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors face challenges in maintaining a strong contact force between ground terminals and mating modules, which affects the reliability of plugging and unplugging operations.
Innovation Solution
The method involves designing an electrical connector with a ground terminal that includes a mating portion protruding into the receiving slot and an elastic portion. A pressing plate is used to compress the elastic portion, allowing it to deform when the mating module contacts the mating portion, thereby enhancing the contact force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid ground terminal is used, then the structural strength is improved, but the plugging and unplugging force is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The ground terminal transitions from a rigid structure to a dynamic structure with elastic portions that can deform during plugging and unplugging operations. The elastic portion allows the terminal to flex and absorb impact forces, providing both structural integrity and enhanced mating force during connector assembly and disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground terminal incorporates portions with different mechanical properties (rigid portions for structural strength, elastic portions for deformation capability). By changing the material parameters or structural characteristics of different sections, the terminal achieves both high strength and high plugging/unplugging force simultaneously.
2Force
If the elastic portion is made more compliant, then the plugging and unplugging force is improved, but the contact force stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ground terminal is divided into distinct rigid portions and elastic portions. The rigid portions maintain structural stability and provide consistent contact force, while the elastic portions provide the necessary compliance for plugging and unplugging operations. This segmentation allows each portion to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.
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 improves the plugging and unplugging force, ensuring a more reliable connection and reduced risk of disconnection during use.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic portion located in the first terminal installation slot; when the mating module abuts against the first mating portion, the elastic portion is deformed so that the first mating portion is driven by the mating module to translate along a third direction
Data Source
AI summary
A method of manufacturing an electrical connector includes: providing a housing, the housing including a receiving slot extending along a first direction, and a wall portion; the wall portion defining a first terminal installation slot communicating with the receiving slot; providing a number of first conductive terminals disposed along a second direction; providing a first ground terminal, mounting the first ground terminal to the housing, the first ground terminal including a first mating portion protruding into the receiving slot and an elastic portion located in the first terminal installation slot; and providing a first pressing plate, fixing the first pressing plate to the wall portion, so that the first pressing plate compresses the elastic portion. When the mating module abuts against the first mating portion, the elastic portion is deformed so that the first mating portion is driven by the mating module to translate along a third direction.