Single-Pole Connector Retainer Spring Prevents Contact Yielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Single-pole electrical connectors experience decreased electrical transmitting capabilities and increased thermal temperatures due to the yielding of slotted male contacts over time from repeated connections and disconnections.
Innovation Solution
A retainer spring is integrated into the slotted male contact of a single-pole electrical connector assembly, preventing axial movement and yielding of the slotted portions, thereby maintaining consistent electrical transmission and reducing thermal issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the slotted male contact is made flexible to facilitate mating and engagement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to yielding over time
Solution Approach 1:
The contact is divided into slotted portions that can flex independently during mating and engagement, while the retainer spring maintains overall structural integrity. This segmentation allows localized flexibility without compromising the entire contact's stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer spring acts as an intermediary element between the slotted portions and the housing, providing continuous support and preventing yielding while allowing the slotted portions to maintain their spring-like properties for easy engagement.
2Ease of operation
If the slotted male contact is designed with spring-like properties to ensure proper engagement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the durability worsens due to fatigue from repeated connections
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer spring is pre-installed and pre-tensioned to provide continuous support to the slotted portions before any mating operation occurs. This preliminary action prevents fatigue accumulation by maintaining the contact in a supported state throughout its service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer spring changes the mechanical parameters of the slotted portions by providing continuous elastic support, effectively reducing the stress amplitude and preventing fatigue failure while maintaining the spring-like engagement properties.
3Ease of manufacture
If the retainer spring is made loose to allow movement, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to axial movement
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer spring is extracted from the housing and installed separately onto the slotted male contact. This extraction allows the spring to be installed in a controlled manner with precise axial positioning, ensuring both ease of manufacture and manufacturing precision.
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 retainer spring effectively prevents fatigue and yielding of the slotted male contact, ensuring reliable and efficient electrical transmission and reducing thermal issues in single-pole electrical connectors.
Implementation Method 1
A spring disposed proximal the second end of the contact substantially prevents yielding of the first and second slotted portions of the contact
Data Source
AI summary
A male plug of a single-pole electrical connector assembly includes a non-conductive housing and a conductive contact having first and second ends disposed in the housing. The first end is adapted to receive an electrical cable and the second end is adapted to engage a corresponding female contact. An axially extending slot is formed in the contact and extends toward the first end of the contact from the second end. The slot forms first and second slotted portions of the contact. A spring disposed proximal the second end of the contact substantially prevents yielding of the first and second slotted portions of the contact and biases the first and second slotted portions radially outwardly.