Connector Assembly Support Block for Clamping Force Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The clamping force applied to the connecting plates of a connector during installation can cause damage to the thin limiting ribs of the plastic housing, leading to scrapping of the connector.
Innovation Solution
A support block is positioned outside the housing and supported between the connecting plates to prevent the clamping force from being transmitted to the housing, thereby protecting the limiting ribs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operator grips the pair of connecting plates during installation, then the connector can be installed onto the mounting panel, but the clamping force will be transmitted to the limiting ribs causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
A support block is introduced as an intermediary component between the connecting plates and the limiting ribs. The support block receives the clamping force from the connecting plates and transfers it to the housing body, preventing direct transmission of force to the thin limiting ribs and avoiding their damage during installation
2Ease of manufacture
If the housing is made of plastic material for ease of manufacture, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the limiting ribs become thin and fragile
Solution Approach 1:
The support block serves as a mediator that protects the fragile limiting ribs by intercepting and redirecting installation forces away from them, enabling the use of plastic housing materials without compromising the strength of the limiting ribs
Solution Approach 2:
The support block provides beforehand protection by being positioned in advance to intercept potential damage forces during installation, cushioning the limiting ribs against the high clamping forces that would otherwise cause damage
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a housing, a pair of plate-shaped terminals, a pair of connecting plates and a support block. The housing has front and rear ends that are opposite in its longitudinal direction. The pair of plate-shaped terminals are installed in the housing and spaced opposite each other in a transverse direction of the housing. The pair of connecting plates are respectively connected to rear ends of the pair of plate-shaped terminals and extend from the rear end of the housing. The support block is arranged outside the housing and is supported between the pair of connecting plates to prevent a clamping force applied to the pair of connecting plates from being transmitted to the housing.