Low Profile Connector Resilient Locking Arms
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Miniaturized electrical connectors for compact electronic devices lack the necessary strength and rigidity to support actuators, compromising the reliability of connections with flexible printed circuit boards.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile electrical connector design featuring resilient upper and lower contact arms and locking members that deflect to allow insertion of the FPC, ensuring secure electrical contact and locking without the need for an actuator, using a housing with specific grooves and projections for assembly and engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the connector is miniaturized for compact electronic devices, then the connector size is reduced, but the housing loses the required dimension, strength and rigidity to support an actuator
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the actuator component from the connector design. By removing this movable element, the housing no longer requires the additional space and structural reinforcement needed to support actuator operation, enabling significant miniaturization while maintaining sufficient strength for the simplified locking mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is designed to automatically engage with the FPC board upon insertion and lock into place without requiring external actuation. The resilient lock arm deflects during insertion and springs back to engage the locking projection, creating a self-acting locking system that eliminates the need for an actuator and reduces housing complexity
2Volume of moving object
If the connector is miniaturized, then the connector size is reduced, but the reliability of electrical connection with FPC is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the locking function and electrical contact function into a single integrated structure. The locking member with resilient lock arm simultaneously provides mechanical retention and ensures reliable electrical connection through the integrated contact elements, eliminating the need for separate actuator mechanisms while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient lock arm automatically deflects during FPC insertion and springs back to engage the locking projection, creating a self-acting locking mechanism that ensures reliable connection without requiring external actuators or complex control systems
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure FPC, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is designed as a self-acting mechanism where the resilient lock arm automatically deflects during insertion and springs back to engage the locking projection on the FPC board. This self-service locking action secures the connection reliably without requiring external actuators, control systems, or complex operational mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical retention through the lock arm engagement, ensures electrical contact through integrated contact elements, and guides the FPC board during insertion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall connector structure
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
Enables reliable and secure electrical connections in compact devices by allowing for the miniaturization of connectors while maintaining the strength and rigidity required for stable FPC attachment, preventing detachment and ensuring consistent electrical contact.
Implementation Method 1
Each contact element has an upper contact arm disposed at the top side and a lower contact arm disposed at the bottom side... the upper contact arm and the lower contact arm being resiliently deflectable away from the cavity to allow insertion of the circuit board into the cavity, and wherein when the circuit board is inserted into the cavity, the upper contact arm and the lower contact arm are in electrical contact with the circuit board
Implementation Method 2
Each locking member has a lock arm positioned along a direction from the back end to the front end of the housing... the upper contact arm and the lower contact arm of each contact element and the lock arm of each locking member being resiliently deflectable away from the cavity to allow insertion of the circuit board into the cavity, and wherein when the circuit board is inserted into the cavity, the lock arm springs back to engage the circuit board and lock the circuit board to the housing
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An electrical connector (30) comprises a housing (32), contact elements (34) and locking members (36) attached to the housing. The housing has a front end, a back end, a top side, a bottom side and a cavity (32e) between the top side and the bottom side. The cavity is to partially receive a circuit board therein. Each contact element is insertable into the housing along a direction from the bottom side towards the top side. Each locking member is insertable into the housing along a direction from the bottom side towards the top side. The upper and lower contact arms (346) and the lock arm (366) are resiliently deflectable away from the cavity to allow insertion of the circuit board into the cavity, and spring back when the circuit board is inserted into the cavity to make electrical connection to the circuit board and to lock the circuit board in the housing.