Connector Assembly Resilient Contact for Shallow Mating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies often fail to establish a secure electrical connection when connectors are shallowly mated due to structural restrictions in electronic devices, leading to unstable or incomplete connections.
Innovation Solution
The connector assembly features resiliently-supporting portions on the contacts that extend from supported portions, allowing secure contact even in shallowly-mated states by deforming to maintain sufficient contact pressure, ensuring reliable electrical connection between the first and second connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connectors are deeply inserted to achieve secure electrical connection, then connection reliability is improved, but device structural flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The contact structure transitions from a static rigid design to a dynamic resilient design. The resiliently-supporting portion allows the contact to dynamically adjust its position and apply contact force regardless of insertion depth, enabling reliable electrical connection whether the connector is shallowly or deeply mated.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact force parameter is maintained within an effective range through the resilient mechanism, regardless of changes in insertion depth. The resiliently-supporting portion ensures that the contact force remains sufficient for reliable electrical connection even when the insertion depth varies due to device structural constraints.
2Ease of manufacture
If contact structure is simplified for ease of manufacture, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but contact pressure stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The contact is segmented into distinct functional portions: a supported portion for structural support and a resiliently-supporting portion for maintaining contact force. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall manufacturing simplicity through the use of a single resilient component.
Solution Approach 2:
The resiliently-supporting portion functions as a flexible element that can be manufactured as a thin resilient component. This flexible portion deformably connects the supported portion to the contact point, providing stable contact pressure through elastic deformation rather than complex mechanical structures.
3Reliability
If resiliently-supporting portions are added to maintain contact pressure, then connection stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resiliently-supporting portion merges the functions of structural support and contact force application into a single integrated component. Rather than adding separate resilient elements and support structures, the design combines these functions into one resiliently-supporting portion that performs both roles simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The resiliently-supporting portion is self-regulating, automatically adjusting its deformation to maintain adequate contact force. The resilient mechanism inherently provides the necessary contact pressure through its elastic properties without requiring external control systems or additional adjustment mechanisms.
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 enables a stable and secure electrical connection between connectors, even when they are shallowly mated, by utilizing resiliently-supporting portions that deform to maintain contact pressure, thus ensuring consistent connectivity.
Implementation Method 1
each of the first resiliently-supporting portion and the second resiliently-supporting portion is resiliently deformed, so that the first contact point and the second contact point are securely in contact with the second resiliently-supporting portion and the first resiliently-supporting portion, respectively, with sufficient contact pressure
Data Source
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AI summary
A connector assembly comprises a first connector having a first contact and a second connector having a second contact. The first contact has a first supported portion which is supported not to be moved in a horizontal direction, a first resiliently-support portion extending from the first supported portion and a first contact point supported by the first resiliently-support portion. The second contact has a second supported portion which is supported not to be moved in the horizontal direction, a second resiliently-support portion extending from the second supported portion and a second contact point supported by the second resiliently-support portion. Under a completely-mated state where the first connector and the second connector are completely mated with each other, the first contact point is in contact with the second supported portion, and the second contact point is in contact with the first supported portion.