Elastic Engaging Component for Miniaturized Connector Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Miniaturization of connectors in electronic devices has made plugging and maintaining connections challenging due to limited space and susceptibility to disconnection under external forces, and structural damage in hot-plug applications.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly with an elastic engaging component featuring a retaining groove, positioning protrusions, and movable parts that securely engage and disengage electrical connectors, ensuring reliable plugging and easy use while maintaining structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If connectors are miniaturized to meet the trend towards compact electronic devices, then the size of connectors is reduced, but the space available for connection becomes limited making plugging troublesome and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic engaging component incorporates a movable plate that can dynamically change position between a first position (engaged with positioning protrusion) and a second position (disengaged from positioning protrusion). This dynamic mechanism allows the connector to transition between locked and unlocked states, facilitating easy plugging and unplugging of miniaturized connectors without requiring large manual manipulation space.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic engaging component utilizes elastic deformation of the movable plate to automatically engage with or disengage from the positioning protrusion. When the connector is inserted or removed, the elastic component self-activates through deformation, automatically locking into place or releasing without requiring additional manual intervention, thus improving plugging convenience for miniaturized connectors.
2Ease of manufacture
If elastic sheet engagement is used to connect connectors, then connection is achieved, but the engagement may be easily released due to external force resulting in disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic engaging component is pre-configured with a movable plate that can be elastically deformed before engagement. This preliminary elastic deformation allows the component to absorb external forces that may occur during connection, maintaining reliable engagement even under stress from hot-plug applications or external impacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic engaging component changes its physical state through elastic deformation of the movable plate between engaged and disengaged positions. This parameter change allows the connection to adapt to external forces, maintaining reliability by absorbing stress through elastic deformation rather than rigid engagement that would easily break under external force.
3Adaptability or versatility
If connectors are designed for hot-plug applications, then adaptability is improved, but structures easily get cracked or damaged due to regular use
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic engaging component functions as a flexible mechanical element that can repeatedly deform and recover. This flexibility allows the connector to withstand the repeated insertion and removal cycles inherent in hot-plug applications without cracking or permanent damage, maintaining structural integrity while providing adaptability for frequent connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable plate's ability to dynamically change position and deform elastically allows the connector to adapt to repeated hot-plug operations. The dynamic elastic deformation absorbs mechanical stress from regular use, preventing the structural damage and cracking that would occur with rigid, non-deformable connection structures.
4Ease of operation
If elastic engaging component with movable parts is used, then plugging convenience is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic engaging component merges multiple functions into a single integrated structure. The movable plate simultaneously provides positioning, locking, and releasing functions through its elastic deformation and interaction with the positioning protrusion. This merging reduces the need for separate complex mechanisms, achieving plugging convenience without proportionally increasing 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 solution provides a reliable and convenient connection that balances compact size with structural strength, preventing disconnection and damage, and facilitates easy assembly and disassembly of connectors.
Implementation Method 1
the movable plate is configured to be deformed and moved with respect to the insertion plate by being pushed by the first positioning protrusion
Implementation Method 2
the arm part is movable with respect to the mount part by pushing the press part
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly includes a first electrical connector, a second electrical connector detachably plugged to the first electrical connector and an elastic engaging component including a mount part, a bent part, an arm part, an engaging part and a press part. The mount part includes an insertion plate configured to be inserted into the retaining groove and a movable plate connected to the insertion plate. The arm part is connected to the mount part via the bent part. The arm part and the mount part are located at the same side of the bent part. The engaging part is located at the arm part and is movable along with the arm part. the engaging part is configured to be engageable with the second electrical connector. The press part is connected to the arm part, and the arm part is movable by pushing the press part.