Connector Assembly Terminal Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connector assemblies with plug and socket connectors engage loosely due to the lack of locking structures, leading to frequent disengagement during repeated use.
Innovation Solution
The connector assembly features a plug connector with L-shaped terminals having an inside contacting portion, a resilient arm portion, and an interference portion, and a socket connector with M-shaped terminals and a shoulder portion, where the shoulder engages with the interference portion to prevent disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional plug and socket connectors engage without locking structures, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of connection deteriorates causing frequent disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal is divided into distinct functional segments: an inside contacting portion for electrical contact, a resilient arm portion for providing locking force, and an interference portion for engagement. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently, improving connection reliability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient arm portion is designed to be elastic and deformable, allowing it to dynamically adapt during engagement. When the plug connector is inserted, the resilient arm bends and then springs back to lock the connection, providing automatic locking without complex mechanical structures. This dynamic behavior ensures reliable connection while keeping the device simple
2Strength
If single-point contact is used between terminals, then the manufacturing precision requirements are reduced, but the strength of connection deteriorates leading to loose engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple functions into the terminal structure: electrical contact function (inside contacting portion), mechanical locking function (resilient arm portion), and engagement function (interference portion). By merging these functions into a single integrated terminal design, the connection strength is significantly improved without requiring higher manufacturing precision for separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal engagement transitions from single-point contact to multi-dimensional contact. The inside contacting portion provides electrical contact in one dimension, while the resilient arm portion and interference portion provide mechanical engagement in additional dimensions. This multi-dimensional engagement approach increases connection strength without demanding stricter alignment tolerances
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly has a plug connector and a socket connector. The plug connector has a first insulative housing and at least one row of first terminals. The first terminals are mounted on the first insulative housing and each terminal has an inside contacting portion and an interference portion. The socket connector has a second insulative housing and at least one row of second terminals corresponding respectively to the at least one row of the first terminals. The second terminals are selectively engaged and respectively with the first terminals and each second terminal has an inner contacting portion and a shoulder portion. The inner contacting portion selectively contacts the inside contacting portion of one first terminal. The shoulder portion is selectively engaged with the interference portion of one first terminal and prevents the first terminal from disengaging inadvertently from the second terminal.