Connector Plug Flange Alignment for Miniaturized Receptacles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The demand for miniaturization of connectors is hindered by the need for a separate guide structure to ensure proper alignment of terminals, which occupies additional installation space.
Innovation Solution
A plug design incorporating a terminal portion with a holder portion featuring a flange protruding orthogonally to the insertion direction, providing both electrical connection and guidance during insertion and removal, allowing for reduced connector size without separate guide structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate guide structure (fitting guide pin and fitting guide hole) is provided to ensure proper terminal alignment, then terminal alignment reliability is improved, but connector size increases due to additional installation space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the guide structure with the terminal portion by integrating the guide function into the holder portion's flange. The flange protrudes from the holder portion and provides guidance during insertion, eliminating the need for separate guide pins or guide holes. This merging of guidance and terminal functions reduces the number of components and overall connector size while maintaining alignment reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder portion's flange serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the contact, positions the terminal portion during insertion, and guides alignment with the receptacle. This multi-functional design eliminates dedicated guide structures, reducing connector size while ensuring proper terminal alignment during insertion and removal operations.
2Reliability
If a separate guide structure is provided to prevent excessive force on terminals, then terminal protection is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The guide function is merged into the holder portion's flange structure, which already exists to support the contact. This integration eliminates separate guide components, reducing device complexity while maintaining the protective guidance function that prevents excessive force on terminals during misaligned insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange of the holder portion performs multiple functions: supporting the contact mechanically, providing alignment guidance during insertion, and protecting terminals from excessive force. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed, simplifying the overall connector design while maintaining terminal protection.
Data Source
AI summary
A plug of a connector includes a terminal portion to be inserted into and removed from an insertion portion of a receptacle. The terminal portion includes a contact, and a holder portion that holds the contact. The holder portion includes a flange portion having a distal end portion protruding toward an insertion direction of the insertion and removal direction from a distal end of the contact in the insertion direction and protruding in a predetermined orthogonal direction orthogonal to the insertion and removal direction. The flange portion is configured to position the terminal portion inserted into the insertion portion in the orthogonal direction.