Electrical Connector Sleeve Isolates Latching Mechanism From Mounting Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors are not robust enough to compensate for movement of mounting components, leading to potential disconnection and wear of electrical contacts.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a first and second member with radial flanges, a sleeve connected to the first member, and latching portions that allow independent movement of components relative to each other, with a biasing member and apertures to restrict excessive movement and maintain connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical connectors are designed with rigid latching portions to ensure stable connection, then connection reliability is improved, but the connector cannot compensate for movement of mounting components leading to disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two functional segments: a rigid latching portion that maintains electrical contact stability, and a flexible sleeve portion that accommodates mounting component movement. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specialized function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve acts as an intermediary element between the rigid connector body and the mounting components. It absorbs and accommodates movement of the mounting components while preventing this movement from being transmitted to the latching portions, thus protecting the electrical connection from disconnection.
2Reliability
If the connector structure is made robust to prevent disconnection, then connection stability is improved, but movement of components is restricted causing excessive wear on electrical contacts
Solution Approach 1:
The connector structure separates the movement-accommodating function (sleeve) from the electrical contact function (latching portions). This allows the sleeve to move with mounting components while the electrical contacts remain stable, preventing wear on the contacts while maintaining connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve serves as a mediator that absorbs relative movement between mounting components. By placing the sleeve between the moving mounting components and the stationary electrical contacts, it prevents direct contact and wear between moving parts while maintaining the electrical connection's stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the latching portions are made movable to accommodate component movement, then adaptability is improved, but connection reliability deteriorates due to potential disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into a movable sleeve portion for adaptability and a fixed latching portion for reliability. This segmentation ensures that only the non-critical sleeve moves to accommodate component position changes, while the critical latching portions remain stationary to maintain secure electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve acts as an intermediary that absorbs movement between mounting components and isolates this movement from the latching portions. This protects the connection reliability by preventing movement from reaching the latching mechanism while still allowing the connector to adapt to component position variations.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes a first member, a second member, and a sleeve connected to the first member. The sleeve may connect with a first component. The second member may connect with a second component. The first member may include a flange. The first portion of the sleeve may be disposed substantially at a first axial side of the flange. A second portion of the sleeve may be disposed substantially at a second axial side. The first and second members may include corresponding latching portions configured to selectively connect the first member with the second member and restrict relative axial movement between the first member and the second member. The latching portion of the second member may include a latching spring, and the latching portion of the first member may include a latching spring groove. When latched, the latching spring may be at least partially in the latching spring groove.