Connector Shield Shells Abutment Reduces Insertion Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional female and male connectors require high insertion and extraction forces due to sliding contact between shield shells, leading to rattling issues after fitting.
Innovation Solution
The connectors incorporate a first and second shield shell with tapered surfaces and an elastic member to facilitate abutment between the shield shells, reducing insertion force and preventing rattling by maintaining a resilient contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If shield shells are fitted together with sliding contact, then electrical connection between shield shells is achieved, but insertion force and extraction force become large
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using sliding contact between shield shells, the invention inverts the approach by using abutting contact where the end surfaces of the shield shells directly contact each other. This inversion of the contact mechanism reduces friction and eliminates the need for large insertion and extraction forces while maintaining reliable electrical connection through direct surface contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the contact parameter from sliding friction to direct abutting contact. By modifying the contact interface from a sliding surface to an end-surface abutment, the mechanical resistance is significantly reduced, allowing for easier insertion and extraction while maintaining electrical connectivity.
2Force
If shield shells are fitted together with sliding contact, then electrical connection between shield shells is achieved, but rattling occurs after fitting
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the contact mechanism from sliding to abutting, which eliminates the lateral movement and friction that cause rattling. The direct end-surface contact provides stable positioning while allowing easy extraction, resolving both the extraction force and stability issues simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the problematic sliding contact mechanism and replaces it with a simpler abutting contact system. By removing the sliding interface, the source of rattling is eliminated while the essential electrical connection function is preserved through the abutting contact.
3Ease of operation
If lock lever is used to press housing, then insertion force is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the lock lever mechanism entirely, replacing it with a simple abutting contact system between shield shells. This elimination of the complex locking mechanism significantly reduces device complexity while the abutting contact naturally provides easy insertion through reduced friction.
Solution Approach 2:
The abutting contact system is self-sufficient and does not require external locking mechanisms. The direct end-surface contact between shield shells automatically provides both electrical connection and mechanical stability without needing additional components like lock levers, making the system self-service and simpler.
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 reduces the insertion and extraction forces while effectively suppressing rattling and maintaining electrical connection between the shield shells, thereby enhancing the connectors' functionality and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member which is disposed between the outer housing and the inner housing to exert an resilient force, toward a counterpart connector in the first connector's own connector insertion direction, on at least one of the inner housing and the first shield shell after fitting of the first connector and the counterpart connector
Data Source
AI summary
A female connector includes a female terminal, an inner housing which holds the female terminal, an outer housing relatively movable to the inner housing, tubular first shield shell integrated with the inner housing, and an elastic member which generates a resilient force. The male connector includes a male terminal, a housing which holds the male terminal, and the tubular second shield shell integrated with the housing. First shield shell abuts against the second shield shell on the connector insertion direction side with insertion of the connectors and is pressed against the second shield shell by the resilient force of the elastic member.