Contact Assembly Clamping Mechanism for Vibration Tolerance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices face challenges in achieving high vibration tolerance and efficient current transmission while minimizing space requirements and reducing the risk of electrical overload, with existing contact arrangements often leading to voltage drops or peaks and increased contact resistance variability.
Innovation Solution
A contact arrangement featuring a stamped grid with clamping means that provide a mechanically releasable fixation mechanism, allowing for a larger contact surface area and reduced current density, incorporating latching means to prevent movement and ensure secure connection, and an enclosure design that separates different work areas within an electronic device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a contact arrangement with traditional fixation methods is used, then the mechanical strength is sufficient, but the vibration tolerance is poor and contact resistance variability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping means are designed as elastic elements that can dynamically adapt to vibrations and mechanical shocks. The elastic clamping section deforms under load and automatically resets after disturbances, maintaining stable electrical contact despite external vibrations. This dynamic behavior reduces contact resistance variability while maintaining vibration tolerance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the mechanical parameters of the contact arrangement by introducing elastic clamping means with specific force characteristics. The clamping force is optimized to provide sufficient contact pressure for low contact resistance while allowing enough compliance to accommodate vibrations. This parameter optimization simultaneously improves vibration tolerance and reduces contact resistance variability.
2Reliability
If the contact surface area is increased to reduce current density, then the risk of electrical overload is reduced, but the space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping means concentrate the clamping force locally at the contact surface, creating high contact pressure in a small area. This local quality enhancement allows the contact interface to handle higher current densities without overheating, effectively reducing the risk of electrical overload while maintaining a compact overall design with limited space requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the mechanical clamping function with the electrical contact function in a single integrated component. The clamping section serves both to secure the electrical connection and to provide the current transmission path, eliminating the need for separate large-area contact surfaces and reducing the overall space requirement while maintaining reliable electrical contact.
3Reliability
If latching means are added to prevent movement of the connection contact, then the vibration tolerance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching function is merged with the clamping means by designing the elastic element with integrated latching features. The clamping section itself forms interlocking protrusions and recesses that provide latching action, eliminating the need for separate latching components. This integration maintains vibration tolerance while avoiding additional device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching means are designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the insertion and removal actions. The elastic clamping section self-latches when the connection contact is inserted and self-releases when removed, without requiring additional actuators or complex control mechanisms. This self-service latching approach improves vibration tolerance while keeping the device structure simple.
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
The solution enhances vibration tolerance, reduces the risk of electrical overload, and improves contact resistance predictability, enabling longer service life and lower signal or power loss, while allowing for automatic repositioning of the connection contact during mechanical shocks.
Implementation Method 1
the clamping means for forming the mechanically releasable fixation act on the clamping section by means of an elastic restoring force when the terminal contact is inserted
Implementation Method 2
form an electrically conductive contact surface
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 2a~3
Figure 2c
AI summary
The invention relates to a contact arrangement (1) for electrical contacting, comprising at least one punched grid (3) and a connecting contact (2) for receiving a knife contact, which has two contact springs (2.1) spaced apart by an insertion slot (2.2) and which are integrally formed in a clamping section (2.3), and which is further characterized in that the punched grid (3) has an opening (3.1) and clamping means (3.2) projecting from an opening plane, wherein the clamping section (2.3) of the connecting contact (2) can be inserted at least partially into the opening (3.1) and mechanically fixed by means of the clamping means (3.2) to form an electrically conductive contact surface (A). The invention further relates to a corresponding connecting contact, an electronic device, and a method for manufacturing a frame for the contact arrangement according to the invention.