Electrical Connector Reinforcing Wall for Reliable Unlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The connecting rod in existing connector assemblies is prone to elastic deformation due to its length, leading to unlocking failures as space for deformation is minimized with connector miniaturization, affecting unlocking reliability.
Innovation Solution
A double-layer structure is introduced by incorporating a reinforcing wall that overlaps the connecting wall of the locking elastic piece, increasing its rigidity and reducing the risk of elastic deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the connecting rod is made long to connect the first locking protrusion and the second locking protrusion, then the unlocking function can be achieved, but the connecting rod is prone to elastic deformation which reduces unlocking reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-layer connecting rod to a multi-layer structure by adding a reinforcing wall that overlaps the connecting wall. This dimensional change from 2D to 3D structure increases rigidity without significantly increasing the length, thereby maintaining unlocking functionality while preventing elastic deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by combining the connecting wall and reinforcing wall into a double-layer configuration. This composite structure provides both the flexibility needed for unlocking and the rigidity to prevent unwanted deformation, resolving the contradiction between operational ease and reliability.
2Volume of moving object
If connector miniaturization is pursued to reduce size, then the space for locking elastic piece deformation is reduced, but this makes unlocking more difficult and reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses miniaturization constraints by adding a reinforcing wall that overlaps the connecting wall in the vertical dimension. This allows the connector to maintain a compact footprint while increasing structural rigidity through the multi-layer configuration, enabling reliable unlocking in reduced space.
3Reliability
If the connecting rod length is reduced to prevent elastic deformation, then unlocking reliability improves, but the ability to drive locking protrusions to separate from locking holes is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by adding vertical dimension through the overlapping reinforcing wall. This maintains the horizontal length needed for unlocking functionality while providing vertical reinforcement to prevent elastic deformation, achieving both reliability and operational ease.
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
The reinforcing wall enhances the connecting wall's rigidity, improving the reliability of unlocking by ensuring the locking protrusions can effectively separate from their holes, enhancing the connector's unlocking performance.
Implementation Method 1
the connecting rod itself is prone to elastic deformation because the length of the connecting rod is usually long
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes an insulating body, a tongue plate and a locking elastic piece. The locking elastic piece includes a first locking portion, a second locking portion and a connecting wall. The first locking portion includes a first locking protrusion. The second locking portion includes a second locking protrusion. The connecting wall is configured to drive the first locking portion and the second locking portion to elastically deform under an action of an external force, so that the first locking protrusion and the second locking protrusion are separated from a first locking hole and a second locking hole of a mating connector. The locking elastic piece further includes a reinforcing wall that at least partially overlaps the connecting wall to increase the rigidity of the connecting wall. A connector assembly having the electrical connector is also disclosed.