Contact Stop Spring for Electrical Connector Vibration Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors face issues with reliable transmission of power and signals in adverse environments, particularly due to vibration-induced relative movement between contacts, which can lead to unreliable connections.
Innovation Solution
An electrical contact assembly with a contact stop spring is used to resiliently hold the contact section in place within a contact chamber, preventing movement and ensuring a stable connection by exerting a resilient force counter to the plug-in direction, utilizing a contact stop spring that is form-fit within the chamber and engages the contact section at multiple points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid contact holder is used to prevent movement, then connection stability improves, but the ability to compensate for vibration forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The contact holder is designed with elastic properties, transforming it from a rigid static component to a dynamic element that can adapt its shape and position in response to vibration forces, thereby maintaining both stability and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic material properties of the contact holder allow it to change its physical parameters (shape, position) in response to external forces, enabling it to compensate for vibrations while maintaining reliable electrical contact
2Adaptability or versatility
If the contact holder is made loose-fitting to allow movement, then vibration compensation improves, but connection reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic contact holder provides controlled movement through its material properties rather than loose fitting, maintaining reliable contact while adapting to vibration forces
Solution Approach 2:
The U-shaped cross-section of the contact holder provides inherent elasticity and flexibility, allowing it to deform and return to its original shape, thereby compensating for vibrations while maintaining secure contact
3Stability of the object's composition
If a complex retention mechanism is used to prevent contact movement, then connection stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the retention function from a separate complex mechanism and integrates it into the contact holder itself through elastic material properties, simplifying the overall device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The retention and contact functions are merged into a single elastic contact holder component, eliminating the need for separate retention mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity
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 contact stop spring effectively reduces movement between connector contacts, enhancing the reliability of electrical connections by compensating for forces imparted by a moving electrical line and maintaining a secure contact, even in high-vibration environments.
Implementation Method 1
a contact stop spring configured such that a stop body engages the contact section and a spring device is actuatable by the connector to press the stop body against the contact section
Data Source
AI summary
A contact stop spring and contact assembly are disclosed. The contact assembly has a contact housing with a contact chamber and a contact resiliently held in the contact chamber by the contact stop spring.