Electric Connector Receptacle Locking Mechanism for Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric connectors face challenges in maintaining connection stability while achieving a small size, particularly in the widthwise direction, as they tend to experience uplifting and buckling issues during detachment and re-insertion, leading to unstable connections and potential contact breakage.
Innovation Solution
The electric connector design features a plug connector with a concave portion and a receptacle connector with an elastic portion and an enlarged engaging portion, which are locked by an enlarged locking portion in the housing, preventing uplifting and buckling through a stable connection mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the connector size is reduced (particularly in widthwise direction), then small-sizing is achieved, but the receptacle contact is uplifted in detachment leading to buckling in insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle contact is segmented into distinct functional portions: contact portion, elastic portion, and connection portion. The elastic portion acts as an independent segment that can deform to accommodate the locking mechanism, preventing uplift while maintaining electrical contact stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution introduces a vertical dimension through the elastic portion's curvature and the locking portion's engagement. Instead of relying solely on horizontal dimensions for connection stability, the design uses vertical engagement of the enlarged engaging portion with the enlarged locking portion to prevent uplift, enabling miniaturization in the widthwise direction without compromising reliability.
2Length of stationary object
If the connector is miniaturized to achieve low profile, then compact design is obtained, but uplifting and buckling occur causing contact breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle contact has non-uniform cross-sectional properties along its length. The elastic portion has specific curvature and thickness designed to provide localized flexibility and strength, while the contact portion and connection portion have different structural characteristics optimized for their respective functions. This local quality variation enables the contact to resist uplift and buckling forces in a compact design.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle contact functions as a composite structure combining rigid portions (contact portion and connection portion) with a flexible elastic portion. This composite design allows the contact to maintain strength against uplift and buckling while achieving a low profile, as the elastic portion can deform to engage the locking mechanism without requiring excessive overall height.
3Area of moving object
If conventional connector structure is used for small sizing, then width reduction is achieved, but stable fitting cannot be maintained due to buckling
Solution Approach 1:
The enlarged engaging portion is pre-formed on the receptacle contact before insertion, and the enlarged locking portion is pre-formed on the housing. When the connector is assembled, these pre-formed structures automatically engage to prevent uplift, eliminating the need for additional stabilization mechanisms and enabling stable fitting in a compact widthwise design.
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 design ensures a stable connection is maintained during re-insertion without buckling or contact breakage, even when the connector is miniaturized in the widthwise direction, by preventing uplifting and securely engaging the receptacle contact with the plug connector.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic portion of at least one curved form in the order of the contact portion, elastic portion and connection portion
Data Source
AI summary
In an electric connector, a receptacle contact has an elastic portion of at least one curved form between a contact portion and a connection portion. An inclination portion is formed between the elastic portion and the contact portion, and further an enlarged engaging portion communicating with the inclination portion is formed at the side of the contact portion. A housing is provided with the insertion hole for inserting the receptacle contact, and an enlarged locking portion is formed in a position corresponding to the enlarged engaging portion. The enlarged engaging portion is locked by the enlarged locking portion in detachment operation.