Electrical Connector Sliding Lock Mechanism for Secure Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors face issues with secure coupling and ease of assembly, particularly in high-frequency applications, where clamping forces weaken over time and screw locking methods are cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector incorporates a sliding lock element with a lid portion, vertical extension, and fitting portion that restricts or loosens the diameter expansion of the inserting portion, allowing for quick and secure assembly and engagement with a receptacle connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a clamping force method is used to fix the electrical connector to the socket, then the assembly is simple, but the clamping force weakens gradually and the plug is easily loosened after repeated insertion and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The plug incorporates a resilient portion that can elastically deform during insertion and removal operations. This dynamic property allows the plug to absorb mechanical stress and maintain clamping force over repeated cycles, preventing the gradual weakening that occurs with rigid clamping mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient portion changes its physical state from a compressed state during insertion to a relaxed state during removal, and back again. This parameter change in elasticity allows the plug to adapt to repeated operations while maintaining secure engagement, resolving the contradiction between simple assembly and long-term stability.
2Reliability
If a screw locking method is used to fix the electrical connector to the socket, then the connection is secure, but the user needs to spend more time to lock the screw which is not convenient for assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The plug's resilient portion automatically engages with the receptacle connector through elastic deformation during the insertion process itself, without requiring any separate locking action. The plug essentially locks itself into place through its own mechanical properties, eliminating the need for additional user actions while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the screw locking mechanism (a complex mechanical system requiring multiple steps) with a simple elastic deformation mechanism. This substitution maintains the secure connection function while dramatically reducing assembly time and complexity by eliminating the need for threading and tightening operations.
3Ease of operation
If the inserting portion is allowed to expand freely, then the assembly process is simple, but the plug cannot be securely coupled to the receptacle connector
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient portion dynamically adjusts its diameter during insertion - expanding to engage the receptacle connector securely, then maintaining that engagement through elastic memory. This dynamic behavior allows the plug to achieve secure coupling without requiring complex expansion control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The diameter of the inserting portion changes during the assembly process, expanding from a compressed state to an engaged state. This parameter change in diameter, controlled by the resilient portion's elasticity, enables secure coupling while keeping the assembly process simple, as the expansion is automatic and reversible.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes a plug and a sliding lock element. The plug includes an inserting portion, a cover portion, and a first sidewall portion. The cover portion covers one end of the inserting portion. The first sidewall portion is perpendicularly connected to the cover portion. A gap is formed between the first sidewall portion and the inserting portion. The sliding lock element is assembled on the plug. The sliding lock element includes a lid portion, a vertical extension portion, and a fitting portion. The lid portion slidably covers the cover portion of the plug. The vertical extension portion is perpendicularly connected to the lid portion. The fitting portion is connected to the vertical extension portion and extends toward the lid portion.