Electrical Connector Spring Arm Deflection for Retention Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical receptacle connectors with multiple contact points for blade-type plug connectors suffer from unstable mating and retention issues due to asymmetrical contact arrangements, which affect the coupling force between the receptacle and plug contacts.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an insulative housing with two pairs of contacts, each featuring first and second cantilevered spring arms extending into the receiving slot with contacting points at different levels, enhancing retention force by ensuring perpendicular deflection and complementary coupling, optionally replacing cantilevered beams with fixed beams to increase the retention force further.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If multiple contact points are used to enhance retention force, then the retention force between receptacle and plug contacts is improved, but the asymmetrical contact arrangement causes unstable mating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing spring arms with different configurations - some spring arms are cantilevered while others are fixed beams, and they are positioned at different levels. This asymmetric arrangement creates complementary coupling between receptacle and plug contacts, improving both retention force and mating stability simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The contact structure is segmented into multiple spring arms with different types (cantilevered and fixed beam) positioned at different levels. This segmentation allows each spring arm to contribute differently to the overall retention force, creating a more stable and comprehensive contact engagement system
2Force
If cantilevered spring arms are used to provide flexibility and retention, then the retention force is improved, but the formal force during deflection is insufficient compared to fixed beams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two different spring arm types - cantilevered spring arms and fixed beam spring arms - into a single contact structure. The cantilevered spring arms provide flexibility and retention force, while the fixed beam spring arms provide higher formal force during deflection. This combination allows the system to achieve both retention force and structural strength simultaneously
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 significantly enhances the retention force between the receptacle and plug contacts, providing a more stable mating mechanism by ensuring comprehensive contact engagement with the blade-type mating section, improving the overall coupling stability.
Implementation Method 1
Both the first spring arms and the second spring arm are of a cantilevered type. A deflection direction of the first spring arms is perpendicular to that of the second spring arm
Implementation Method 2
the pair of first spring arms may be of a fixed beam rather than a cantilevered beam to significantly increase the formal force thereof during deflection
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical receptacle connector includes an insulative housing forming a pair of receiving slots, two pairs of contacts are retained in the housing and located by two sides of the corresponding receiving slots, respectively. Each contact has a frame having four sides with a pair of first spring arms extending from two opposite sides toward each other and extending into the receiving slot with the corresponding contact points at different levels. A second spring arm extends from another side into the receiving slot. A deflection direction of the first spring arms is perpendicular to that of the second spring arm, and the first spring arms contact one side of the blade type contact of the plug connector and the second spring arm contacts another side of the blade type contact of the plug connector.