Connector Pin Deformation Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors risk deforming pins when the center plug is inserted in an inclined state due to contact with the corner parts of the opening, leading to potential electrical connectivity issues.
Innovation Solution
The connector design includes a housing with terminal receiving chambers on its distal end face, featuring pin inserting parts with elastic contact pieces and stamped out parts to clamp and hold pins in place, preventing deformation by reducing the height of the engaging frontage and aligning the elastic contact pieces with the pin insertion direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the center plug part is inserted into the socket in an inclined state, then the insertion operation can be performed, but the pin may be deformed due to contact with the corner part of the opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a resin layer (cushioning layer) between the pin and the corner part of the opening. This resin layer acts as a cushion that absorbs impact forces during inclined insertion, preventing the pin from contacting and deforming against the hard corner part. The cushioning layer is positioned in advance to protect the pin before deformation can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The resin layer serves as an intermediary element between the pin and the corner part of the opening. Instead of allowing direct contact between the metal pin and the hard plastic corner, the resin layer mediates the interaction, providing a softer interface that prevents deformation while still allowing the insertion operation to proceed.
2Reliability
If the pin is held firmly to prevent deformation, then pin integrity is maintained, but the insertion force required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resin cushioning layer is positioned in advance to absorb insertion forces. By providing this cushioning layer, the pin does not need to be held as firmly against the corner part, as the resin layer itself provides the protective function. This reduces the insertion force required compared to a design where the pin must be rigidly constrained.
3Reliability
If the engaging frontage height is reduced to prevent pin deformation, then pin protection is improved, but the structural strength of the housing may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure combining the housing material and a resin cushioning layer. The housing provides the primary structural strength, while the resin layer provides the pin protection function. This composite approach allows the engaging frontage height to be reduced without compromising overall structural strength, as the resin layer compensates for the reduced housing height by providing the necessary cushioning and protection.
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 effectively prevents pin deformation during insertion, ensuring accurate contact and reducing the risk of electrical misconnection by maintaining the pins' integrity and allowing for a lower engaging frontage height, even when the housing is inserted at an angle.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the pin inserting parts has an elastic contact piece which is elastically contacted with the pin which has been inserted into the pin inserting part thereby to hold the pin in the pin inserting part
Implementation Method 2
each of the pin inserting parts is provided with a stamped out part for clamping the pin in cooperation with the elastic contact piece
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a housing to be inserted into a receiving chamber of an initiator, a plurality of terminal receiving chambers which are opened to a distal end face of the housing in parallel with each other in a row, and terminals respectively provided with pin inserting parts into which pins in the receiving chamber are inserted, and respectively received in the terminal receiving chambers. Each of the pin inserting parts has an elastic contact piece which is elastically contacted with the pin which has been inserted into the pin inserting part thereby to hold the pin in the pin inserting part. The terminals are received in the terminal receiving chambers so that the elastic contact pieces push the pins in a direction which is the same as a direction to which the terminal receiving chambers are arranged.