Elastic Element Electrical Connector Force Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors lack an effective elastic element to securely engage and disengage mating plugs without causing potential damage to the connector components.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector design featuring an insulative housing with a shell and elastic elements mounted to the side walls, where the elastic elements resist the elastic arms of the shell upon plug insertion, distributing the insertion force and enhancing the connector's strength and rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastic arms are used to engage mating plugs, then the connector can securely hold the plug, but the insertion force may cause damage to the connector components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an elastic element positioned between the elastic arm and the insulative housing that acts as a cushioning component. When a mating plug is inserted, the elastic element compresses to absorb excess insertion force, preventing damage to the elastic arm and housing while still allowing secure engagement. This beforehand cushioning mechanism resolves the contradiction by protecting components from harmful forces during normal operation.
2Strength
If rigid structure is used for the shell, then the connector has high strength and rigidity, but it cannot provide elastic engagement for secure connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the shell into rigid and flexible segments. The main shell body maintains rigid structure for strength, while elastic arms and elastic elements are introduced as flexible segments that provide elastic engagement capability. This segmentation allows the connector to simultaneously achieve high strength from the rigid shell and secure elastic connection from the flexible components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates elastic arms and elastic elements that function as flexible components within the rigid shell structure. These flexible elements can deform elastically during plug insertion and extraction, providing the necessary engagement capability while the rigid shell maintains overall structural strength.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If elastic elements are added to distribute insertion force, then component protection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an elastic element as an intermediary component between the elastic arm and the insulative housing. This intermediary serves the dual function of protecting components from excessive force while maintaining the overall simplicity of the connector design. The elastic element is strategically positioned to provide protection without requiring complex mechanisms or additional components.
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
This design allows for secure and steady insertion and extraction of mating plugs while reducing the risk of damage to the connector components, ensuring reliable and durable connectivity.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic element resists against the elastic arm upon inserting a mating plug to move the pair of least arms outward
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector, for mating with a mating plug, includes an insulative housing (1), a number of contacts (2) received in the insulative housing (1), a shell (3) mounted to the insulative housing (1) and an elastic element (4) mounted to the receiving space (100). The insulative housing includes a top wall (12), a lower wall (13), two side walls (14) and a receiving space surrounded by the top wall, the lower wall and the two side walls. The shell (3) comprises a pair of elastic arms (342). The elastic element (4) resists against the elastic arm (342) upon inserting a mating plug to move the pair of least arms outward.