Electrical Connector Pressing Member Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical connectors for flat conductive members are prone to unstable suction operations due to excessive loads from suction members, leading to potential displacement or deformation of the pressing member, especially when the connector has a large width in the terminal arrangement direction.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector design includes a pressing member with a shaft portion that features a guided portion and an abutting portion with a supported surface, which is supported by the terminals, preventing displacement even under excessive loads. This configuration ensures the pressing member remains stable and correctly positioned, with additional features like regulating portions to prevent excessive movement and potential damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pressing member is not supported from below inside the terminal arrangement range, then the pressing member can move freely between open and closed positions, but the pressing member may be displaced or deformed when excessive load is applied from the suction member
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into two distinct zones: outside the terminal arrangement range where full support is provided, and inside the terminal arrangement range where support is selectively provided only at the rear end. This segmentation allows the pressing member to have both stability and controlled movability in different operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The support characteristics are made non-uniform across the pressing member's width. The rear end receives support throughout its width, while the front end receives support only in specific areas outside the terminal arrangement range. This local differentiation enables the pressing member to resist suction loads while maintaining operational freedom.
2Area of moving object
If the pressing member has a large width in the terminal arrangement direction, then more terminals can be accommodated, but the suction member tends to apply excessive load and the suction operation becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure acts as a counterbalancing element against the suction load. By providing support at the rear end and at the outer edges, the system creates opposing forces that counteract the excessive load from the suction member, stabilizing the pressing member during wide-format operations.
3Reliability
If the pressing member is supported on both edge portions outside the terminal arrangement range, then the pressing member is stable during suction, but the pressing member cannot move smoothly between positions
Solution Approach 1:
The support zones are segmented to provide stability only where needed (outside terminal arrangement range) while leaving the central area (inside terminal arrangement range) unsupported to enable smooth movement. This spatial segmentation resolves the conflict between stability and movability.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector for a flat conductive member includes a housing with an opening portion, a plurality of terminals each having a contact portion, and a pressing member movable between an open position and a closed position. A sucking surface is formed on the pressing member, so that a suction device sucks the sucking surface. The pressing member has a shaft portion including a guided portion and an abutting portion with a supported surface. Each of the terminals has a guide portion and a supporting portion. The guide portion guides the guided portion. The supporting portion supports the supported surface when the pressing member is situated at the open position.