Magnetic Element Retention in Electrical Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors with magnetic elements often have poor assembly efficiency and retaining force due to reliance on glue or additional components for securing the magnetic elements.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector design featuring an insulative housing, conductive terminals, a metal shell with accommodating rooms and recesses for magnetic elements, and corresponding retaining arms that securely hold the magnetic elements in place, enhancing assembly efficiency and retaining force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If glue or additional retaining components are used to secure the magnetic element, then the magnetic element can be retained in the electrical connector, but the assembly efficiency deteriorates and the retaining force becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining arm is integrated into the metal shell structure itself, merging the retaining function with the shielding structure. This eliminates the need for separate retaining components and glue, thereby improving assembly efficiency while maintaining reliable magnetic element retention through the elastic deformation of the retaining arm
Solution Approach 2:
The metal shell's retaining arm utilizes its own elastic deformation capability to secure the magnetic element. The retaining arm automatically engages with the magnetic element's outer surface through its elastic properties, eliminating the need for external adhesive materials or additional retaining components
2Reliability
If additional retaining components or glue are used to secure the magnetic element, then the magnetic element can be retained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining function is merged into the metal shell structure through the retaining arm, which is formed as an integral part of the shielding structure. This reduces device complexity by eliminating separate retaining components while maintaining effective magnetic element retention through the retaining arm's elastic engagement
3Reliability
If traditional securing methods are used, then the magnetic element can be retained, but the assembly process becomes less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining arm is pre-formed as an integral part of the metal shell structure with built-in elastic properties. During assembly, the magnetic element is simply inserted and the retaining arm automatically engages with its outer surface through elastic deformation, eliminating the need for time-consuming glue application or additional component installation while ensuring reliable retention
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
The design provides a more efficient and secure assembly process for magnetic elements within the electrical connector, improving assembly efficiency and retaining force compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
The front face of the magnetic element is exposed from the shell so as to mate with a corresponding magnetic element of the complementary connector
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector comprises an insulative housing, a plurality of conductive terminals secured in the insulative housing, a metal shell shielding around the insulative housing and a magnetic element retained in the metal shell. The metal shell forms an accommodating room for receiving the magnetic element. The magnetic element has an outer surface and a recess defined on the outer surface. The metal shell has a retaining arm corresponding to the recess. The design of the recess and the retaining arm make a better retaining effectivity for the electrical connector.