Elastic Arm-Shaped Connector Lock Preventing Removal Force Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical connector devices lack a mechanism to effectively resist external forces during removal, leading to potential lock release and damage to the electrical connection.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector design featuring a conductive shell member with an elastic arm-shaped member and an engaging piece that contacts the mating connector, providing a connector contact surface and a shell contact surface to restrict movement and prevent lock release when an external force is applied in the removal direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical lock mechanism with lock pieces is used to maintain fit-in state, then the electrical connector can be locked in place, but the critical load against external force in removal direction is insufficient and the lock mechanism may be released or broken
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic lock mechanism where the lock piece can elastically deform under external force. The lock piece is designed with flexibility to bend elastically when removal force is applied, allowing it to maintain engagement while accommodating the external load without breaking or releasing prematurely.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the lock piece by giving it elastic properties. The lock piece is designed with specific material properties and geometric dimensions that allow it to deform elastically under load, changing its shape temporarily to absorb external force while maintaining the locked state.
2Device complexity
If no support member is provided for the lock piece, then the device structure remains simple, but the critical load against external force in removal direction is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The lock piece serves dual functions: it performs the locking function by engaging with the mating connector, and simultaneously serves as its own support structure through its elastic properties. The elastic deformation capability of the lock piece allows it to self-absorb and self-support external removal forces without requiring additional support members.
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 design ensures a secure fit-in state between electrical connectors by preventing the engaging piece from being dislodged, thereby maintaining the electrical connection and preventing damage from external forces.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic arm-shaped member which makes contact with the mating connector when fitting in the mating connector and elastically displaces in a direction orthogonal to the fit-in direction
Data Source
AI summary
To allow a fit-in state between electrical connectors to be firmly maintained, elastic arm-shaped members provided to a conductive shell member so as to elastically displace to a direction orthogonal to a fit-in direction of a mating connector are each provided with an engaging piece having a connector contact surface which the mating connector faces from the depth in the fit-in direction and a shell contact surface which a part of the conductive shell member faces from the front in the fit-in direction. When an external force is applied to the mating connector in a fit-in state to a removing direction opposite to the fit-in direction, the engaging piece is brought into a state of being interposed between the mating connector and the conductive shell member. This avoids a situation in which the engaging piece is removed from the mating connector to cause a lock release.