Electrical Connector Guide Structure for Safer Plug Insertion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical connectors make it difficult for operators to accurately insert plug connectors due to the lack of visual guidance for the insertion opening, leading to potential damage to contacts and reduced workability.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector features a pair of guide portions that protrude and retract from both width-direction sides of the insertion opening, guiding the plug connector into an appropriate posture and preventing contact deformation, while also being conductive and connected to ground for static discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the insertion opening is not directed to the front of the operator, then the device structure remains flexible, but the operator cannot accurately visually recognize the position of the insertion opening
Solution Approach 1:
The guide portions protrude from the insertion opening before plug insertion to visually indicate the correct insertion direction and position, allowing the operator to align the plug connector properly before actual insertion occurs
2Reliability
If contacts are disposed in the vicinity of the insertion opening, then electrical connection is achieved, but the corner portion of the plug connector may contact and deform the contacts
Solution Approach 1:
The guide portions act as intermediary elements between the insertion opening and the contacts, guiding the plug connector's leading end to follow a safe path that avoids direct contact with the vulnerable contact portions during insertion
Solution Approach 2:
The guide portions are positioned to engage with the plug connector's leading end before the plug reaches the contacts, preliminarily establishing the correct insertion trajectory to prevent corner contact with the contacts
3Manufacturing precision
If the plug connector is inserted without guidance, then insertion speed may be faster, but the plug connector may be inserted in incorrect posture causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The guide portions serve as mediating structures that physically guide the plug connector's leading end into the correct posture during insertion, ensuring alignment without requiring slow, careful manual positioning by the operator
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 facilitates easy and accurate insertion of plug connectors, reduces contact damage, and enhances the operational efficiency by providing visual guidance and static discharge functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the pair of guide portions each are made of a conductive member and are connected to ground
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an electrical connector capable of suppressing damage to a contact and facilitating insertion of a plug connector into an insertion opening. A base connector (10), which has an insertion opening (13a) into which a plug connector (2) is inserted, includes a pair of guide portions (14b) that are provided so as to be capable of protruding and retracting from both width-direction sides of the insertion opening (13a), and that guide both width-direction sides of the plug connector (2) that moves toward the insertion opening (13a).