Elastic Member Shielded Connector Assembly Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shielded connector assemblies face issues with metal powder intrusion into terminal contact portions due to friction, leading to short circuits and arcs, and have difficulties with easy assembly and disassembly, space utilization, and bolt-related wear and tear.
Innovation Solution
An elastic member with a plate spring and fixing member is installed outside the terminal contact portion, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, preventing metal powder intrusion, and optimizing space usage by providing a secure and stable electrical connection between male and female shielded connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a bolt is used to connect the male shielded connector to the female shielded connector, then the connection is secure, but the product size increases and assembly/disassembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the bolt from the connector assembly entirely, replacing it with an elastic member that provides both connection and electrical contact functions. The elastic member is integrated into the connector housing, eliminating the need for separate fastening components and simplifying the assembly structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a mechanical fastener (replacing the bolt) and an electrical contact element. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the overall connector structure while maintaining secure connection.
2Strength
If a bolt is used to connect the male shielded connector to the female shielded connector, then the connection is secure, but wear and tear occurs under vehicle jolting conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member is designed to be deformable, allowing it to dynamically adjust to vibrations and shocks from vehicle jolting. The elasticity enables the connection to absorb mechanical stress without permanent deformation or loosening, maintaining reliable electrical contact under varying conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic nature of the member provides beforehand cushioning against vibrations and shocks. The elastic deformation capacity allows the connection to absorb mechanical energy from vehicle jolting before damage can occur, preventing wear and tear on the electrical contact surfaces.
3Strength
If a bolt is used to connect the male shielded connector to the female shielded connector, then the connection is secure, but metal powder intrudes into the terminal contact portion causing short circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the bolt that causes metal powder generation and removes it from the system. By replacing the bolt with a boltless elastic member design, the source of metal powder intrusion is eliminated, preventing short circuits in the terminal contact portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member is designed to be replaceable and can be easily disposed of when worn. This allows for maintenance without complex tooling, and the simple elastic structure generates minimal wear debris compared to threaded bolt connections.
4Device complexity
If the shielded connector assembly is arranged linearly, then the structure is simple, but the installation space is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly transitions from a linear arrangement to a three-dimensional compact configuration. The elastic member enables vertical stacking and angular positioning of connector components, utilizing space in multiple dimensions rather than extending linearly, thereby reducing the overall installation footprint.
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 elastic member ensures stable and reliable connections, prevents metal powder intrusion, facilitates easy assembly and disassembly, and enhances space efficiency while reducing wear and tear, thereby improving the durability and performance of shielded connector assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member which is elastically biased to come in contact with the male shielded connector and the female shielded connector when the male shielded connector and the female shielded connector are assembled, thereby electrically connecting the male shielded connector to the female shielded connector
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosure relates to an elastic member mounted in a securing part formed at a male shielded connector or a female shielded connector and configured to establish an electrical connection between the male shielded connector and the female shielded connector when the male shielded connector and the female shielded connector are assembled. The elastic member includes a plate spring having a predetermined length; an elastic piece being elastically deformable and formed by bending a portion of one or both sides of the plate spring in the lengthwise direction of the plate spring; and a fixing member formed on the plate spring and configured to prevent the elastic member from separating from the male shielded connector or the female shielded connector when the male shielded connector and the female shielded connector are disassembled.