Elastic Fixing Element for Vibration-Resistant Electrical Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical connector assemblies in environments with mechanical vibrations, such as motor vehicles, face connection instability due to insufficient retention forces, leading to potential disconnection and compromised operation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an elastically deformable fixing element on the guiding protuberance or pocket surfaces, which creates a force fit when connectors are fully connected, counteracting external vibrations and ensuring a secure connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If guiding protuberances and guiding pockets are used to guide connector movements, then guidance precision and protection against distortion are improved, but retention forces remain insufficient in vibratory environments
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into functional segments: guiding protuberances/pockets for alignment and protection, and separate fixing elements (elastic deformable elements) for retention. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function while working together to solve both guidance and retention requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing elements are designed to be elastically deformable, changing their physical state from rigid to flexible during connection. This parameter change allows them to deform under insertion force and then maintain permanent retention, transforming the connection from loose to secure.
2Reliability
If retention forces are increased to prevent disconnection under vibration, then connection stability is improved, but the risk of damage during insertion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing elements transition from a compliant state during insertion to a rigid retention state after connection. This dynamic behavior allows the system to accommodate insertion forces without damage, then provide strong retention forces to prevent vibration-induced disconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic deformability of the fixing elements provides beforehand cushioning during insertion, absorbing insertion forces through controlled deformation. This prevents damage while ensuring that once connected, the elements maintain strong retention forces.
3Device complexity
If the connector design is simplified without fixing elements, then device complexity is reduced, but retention forces become insufficient in arduous environments
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing elements are integrated into the existing guiding structure, merging the guidance and retention functions into a unified connector design. This approach adds retention capability without significantly increasing overall device complexity, as the fixing elements utilize the same guiding protuberances/pockets framework.
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 deformable fixing element enhances retention forces, preventing disconnection under vibration and ensuring the electrical connector assembly remains stable in arduous environments.
Implementation Method 1
the fixing element is elastically deformable over at least a portion thereof along a direction perpendicular to the coupling direction
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an electrical connector, a coupling electrical connector and an electrical connector assembly, the electrical connector including a guiding protuberance protruding from its socket face parallel to a coupling direction, the coupling electrical connector being designed with a guiding pocket for receiving the guiding protuberance. In order to improve the strength of a connection between the two electrical connectors, even when the electrical connector assembly experiences vibrations, the invention provides that at least one of the electrical connectors includes a fixing element which is elastically deformable on at least one section along a direction perpendicular to the coupling direction according to the invention.