Contact Pin Retainer Structure for Miniature Connector Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in electrical connectors is ensuring the retention and correct insertion of contact pins while maintaining a reduced size, as a smaller size compromises the step difference required for the retainer's retaining function and indicator role.
Innovation Solution
The contact pin features a continuous opening through its side and top/bottom walls, allowing a retainer to engage and secure the pin within the housing, ensuring proper insertion and retention while maintaining a sufficient projection for correct positioning indication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the contact pin size is reduced, then the connector size is reduced, but the step difference height is insufficient compromising the retaining function
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement portion creates a new dimensional engagement feature by forming a through-opening that extends from the side wall to the top or bottom wall of the contact point portion. This adds a vertical dimension to the retention mechanism, allowing the retainer to engage effectively even when the overall contact pin size is reduced.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact point portion is segmented by creating a through-opening that divides the structure into distinct regions. This segmentation allows the retainer to engage with a specific portion of the contact pin without requiring the entire pin to have sufficient step difference height, thereby maintaining retention function in miniaturized connectors.
2Volume of moving object
If the contact pin size is reduced, then the connector size is reduced, but the retainer projection height change is insufficient compromising the indicator function
Solution Approach 1:
The through-opening extending from side wall to top/bottom wall creates a vertical dimension for indicator movement. When the contact pin is fully inserted, the retainer can move vertically within this opening to provide a clear visual indicator, maintaining the information function even in miniaturized connectors where horizontal projection height changes are limited.
3Volume of moving object
If the contact pin size is reduced, then the connector size is reduced, but the step difference is insufficient compromising both retaining and indicator functions
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement portion merges the retaining and indicator functions into a single integrated structure. The through-opening serves dual purposes: it provides the engagement feature for retention while simultaneously enabling the retainer to move and indicate insertion status, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite miniaturization.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector comprises a contact pin, a housing into which the contact pin is inserted, and a retainer. The contact pin includes a contact point portion formed on an end thereof and defining an opening adapted to receive a mating contact, and an engagement portion. The engagement portion is defined at least partially through the contact point portion, and includes a continuous opening formed partially through a side wall of the contact point portion in a height direction and partially through a top wall or a bottom wall of the contact point portion in a width direction. The retainer is insertable into the housing in a direction intersecting the direction of insertion of the contact pin. The retainer is adapted to be inserted into the housing and engage with the engagement portion of the contact pin to secure the contact pin within the housing.