Electrical Connector Fastening Nut Support via Metallic Shell
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors with metallic fastening nuts face issues where the spring tang lacks sufficient support, leading to potential damage to the insulative housing during fastening, as it fails to absorb the forces applied by the screw effectively.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a metallic shell with elongated end sections featuring receiving cavities and slits, along with deformable fixing tabs that extend into the slits to reliably position and absorb forces applied to the fastening nut, preventing damage to the housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a spring tang is used to hold the fastening nut, then the structure is simple, but the spring tang lacks sufficient support and cannot absorb the forces applied by the screw effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The metallic shell is divided into multiple functional parts: a base plate for overall support, receiving cavities for nut positioning, and fixing tabs for force absorption. This segmentation allows each part to specialize in a specific function, improving overall reliability while maintaining structural efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure transitions from a one-dimensional spring tang to a three-dimensional metallic shell enclosure. The base plate provides planar support while the vertical walls and fixing tabs add dimensional stability, creating a comprehensive force absorption system that protects the housing from multi-directional stresses.
2Device complexity
If the fastening nut is held by a spring tang, then the assembly is simple, but the nut may damage the insulative housing during fastening
Solution Approach 1:
The metallic shell acts as an intermediary between the fastening nut and the insulative housing. The base plate and fixing tabs intercept and absorb the mechanical forces from the screw, preventing these forces from being transmitted to the housing. This mediator protects the housing from damage while maintaining a relatively simple assembly structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The metallic shell structure is pre-configured with the base plate and fixing tabs to provide cushioning support before the fastening operation begins. This beforehand protection ensures that when the screw applies force to the nut, the forces are absorbed by the metallic shell rather than being transmitted to the insulative housing, preventing potential damage.
3Reliability
If the fastening nut is securely held by the metallic shell, then the housing is protected from damage, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The metallic shell performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural enclosure for the electrical connector, positions the fastening nut through receiving cavities, absorbs fastening forces through fixing tabs, and protects the insulative housing from damage. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective components, thereby limiting the increase in overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective function is merged into the existing metallic shell structure rather than being implemented as a separate component. The base plate, receiving cavities, and fixing tabs are integrated into the shell, combining the enclosure and protection functions into a single unified structure. This merging approach provides comprehensive housing protection while minimizing the increase in device 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 configuration ensures the fastening nut is securely held and forces are absorbed by the metallic shell, preventing damage to the insulative housing and allowing for easy replacement of the nut without disassembling the metallic shell, enhancing the connector's reliability and durability.
Implementation Method 1
fixing tabs that extend into the slits to reliably position and absorb forces applied to the fastening nut
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector including an insulative housing having an elongated base and a pair of end sections each with opposite top and bottom surfaces, opposite front and rear surfaces. The shell includes a base plate covering the top surface at two opposite end sections of the base. Each end sections further includes a receiving cavity for receiving the retaining piece, and a slit communicatively beside the receiving cavity. The shell includes a pair of fixing tabs located at two opposite ends and respectively extending into the slits so as to interfere with the corresponding fastening nut for reliably positioning the fastening nut in the receiving cavity and being adapted to absorb the forces applied upon the fastening nut.