Electric Connector Shell Plate Intermediate Portion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The reduction in size of electronic devices leads to a decrease in contact pressure of contact members in electric connectors due to deformation of the insulating housing, affecting the reliability of the connector.
Innovation Solution
An electric connector configuration with an insulating housing and an electrically-conductive shell, featuring an intermediate connecting portion that extends from the contact member's fixed base to the wiring board, suppressing deformation and maintaining contact pressure by providing a retaining force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the insulating housing is made thin to reduce device size, then the device size is reduced, but the contact pressure of contact members decreases due to housing deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple support portions (first support portion and second support portion) that are distributed at different positions on the insulating housing. This segmentation allows each support portion to independently counteract local deformation, effectively preventing overall housing warpage while maintaining thin housing design.
Solution Approach 2:
Support portions are strategically positioned at specific locations on the insulating housing where deformation is most likely to occur. By concentrating support functionality at these critical local positions rather than uniformly throughout the housing, the design effectively prevents deformation at key areas while maintaining overall housing thinness.
2Length of moving object
If the insulating housing is made thin to reduce device height, then the device height is reduced, but the mating space deformation increases causing contact pressure reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple support portions positioned at different locations within the mating space. This segmentation provides distributed support that counteracts deformation throughout the mating space, preventing warpage while maintaining thin housing design.
Solution Approach 2:
The support portions are pre-positioned on the insulating housing before the connection target is inserted. This preliminary support structure is already in place to counteract deformation that would otherwise occur during insertion, thereby preventing mating space warpage in advance.
3Reliability
If support structures are added to prevent housing deformation, then contact pressure is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support portions are integrated with the insulating housing as a unified structure. Rather than being separate components that need to be assembled, the support portions form an integral part of the housing, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining the anti-deformation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The support portions serve multiple functions: they provide structural support to prevent housing deformation, maintain contact pressure on connection targets, and contribute to the overall mechanical integrity of the connector. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components.
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
Prevents reduction in contact pressures and enhances the reliability of the electric connector by maintaining contact integrity and reducing ground resistance through increased ground contact points.
Implementation Method 1
elastic beam portions of the contact members are elastically displaced so as to be lifted upward, and the contact-point portions of the contact members are brought into a pressure-contact state with respect to the electrode portions (contact-point portions) of the connection target by the elastic force generated based on the displacement
Implementation Method 2
deformation of the insulating housing and the electrically-conductive shell caused along with elastic displacement of the contact members is suppressed by the retaining force of the intermediate connecting portion
Data Source
AI summary
The contact pressure of a contact member with respect to a connection target can be prevented well from being reduced by a simple configuration. An electrically-conductive shell covering a surface of an insulating housing opposed to a surface facing a wiring board is provided with an intermediate connecting portion extended from a position in the vicinity of a fixed base portion of the contact member toward the wiring board, and the intermediate connecting portion is joined with the wiring board. By virtue of this, deformation such as warpage of the insulating housing and the electrically-conductive shell upon insertion of the connection target is suppressed by retaining force of the intermediate connecting portion, and reduction in the contact pressure of the contact member with respect to the connection target is configured to be prevented.