Connector Shell Inclined Portion Backlash Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
In high-speed electric signal transfer connectors with multiple terminals and an outer conductor shell, the use of a spring piece at the back wall of the fitting recessed portion leads to a complex structure and insufficient closure of clearance between connectors, resulting in significant lowering of high-frequency characteristics due to backlash.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly with an inclined portion raised from the side wall of the outer conductor shell that contacts the edge portion of the partner connector's fitting recessed portion, pressing the edge portion and closing the engagement clearance between the lock protrusion and lock hole, thereby suppressing backlash without the need for a spring piece at the back wall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring piece is provided at the back wall of the fitting recessed portion to close up clearance, then backlash is suppressed, but the connector structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the spring piece from the connector structure. Instead of using a separate elastic component at the back wall, the solution integrates the elastic function directly into the side wall of the fitting portion through an inclined portion that raises from the side wall, thereby suppressing backlash without adding structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the elastic member function with the side wall structure of the fitting portion. The inclined portion is formed as an integral part of the side wall, combining the structural support function with the elastic closure function in a single integrated component, thus simplifying the overall connector structure
2Manufacturing precision
If a spring piece is provided at the back wall of the fitting recessed portion, then clearance closure is achieved, but the structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the separate spring piece component and replaces it with an inclined portion integrated into the side wall. This extraction eliminates the need for additional parts while maintaining the clearance closure function through the elastic deformation of the inclined portion
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined portion of the side wall serves dual functions: it provides structural support as part of the fitting portion and simultaneously acts as the elastic member for clearance closure. The side wall's own elastic deformation capability is utilized to close the engagement clearance, making the structure self-sufficient
3Device complexity
If clearance between connectors is not sufficiently closed up, then connector structure remains simple, but high-frequency characteristics deteriorate due to backlash
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local elastic deformation specifically at the inclined portion of the side wall to achieve clearance closure. By concentrating the elastic function in a localized inclined portion rather than using a separate spring piece throughout, the design maintains overall structural simplicity while ensuring proper clearance closure at the critical engagement interface
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameter of the side wall by adding an inclined portion that can elastically deform. This parameter change allows the side wall to dynamically adjust and close the engagement clearance, thereby suppressing backlash and maintaining high-frequency characteristics without complicating the overall 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
This configuration simplifies the connector structure and effectively suppresses backlash, maintaining high-frequency characteristics by ensuring proper engagement and eliminating clearance between the lock protrusions and holes, thus preventing a deterioration in high-frequency signal transfer.
Implementation Method 1
the edge portion of the fitting recessed portion is pressed by the elastic force of the inclined portion provided at the side wall of the fitting portion
Data Source
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Figure 3(a)~3(c)
AI summary
In a typical connector, without closing up a clearance between connectors sufficiently upon fitting with a partner connector, a problem such as significant lowering of high-frequency characteristics due to backlash is caused upon high-speed electric signal transfer. A connector is provided, which includes multiple terminals, an insulator holding the multiple terminals, and an outer conductor shell housing the insulator. In the connector, an inclined portion raised from a side wall of the outer conductor shell is provided at a side wall portion which is to contact an edge portion of a fitting recessed portion of a partner connector. Thus, when a fitting portion on a tip end side of the outer conductor shell of the connector is fitted in the fitting recessed portion of the partner connector, an edge portion of an opening of the fitting recessed portion of the partner connector is pressed by the inclined portion provided at the side wall of the fitting portion of the connector, and a side wall of a lock protrusion is pressed against an inner wall of a lock hole. Thus, the clearance can be suppressed.