Elastic Supporting Arm for Electrical Connector Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors face challenges in preventing damage to locking arms due to excessive pressure while maintaining sufficient locking force, as they either require excessive effort to separate or are prone to plastic deformation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an elastic supporting arm between the elastic locking arm and the insulative housing, which provides additional elasticity and support, preventing plastic deformation and ensuring a reliable locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the elastic coefficient of the locking arm is designed to be too large, then the locking force is sufficient, but it requires excessive effort to press down the locking arm for separation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two separate elastic components: the locking arm (first elastic component) and the supporting arm (second elastic component). This segmentation allows each component to have optimized elastic coefficients for their specific functions, resolving the contradiction between locking force and ease of separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The second elastic component (supporting arm) acts as an intermediary that provides additional support to the first elastic component (locking arm). This intermediary structure distributes the pressure and reduces the effort needed to operate the locking mechanism while maintaining sufficient locking force.
2Ease of operation
If the elastic coefficient of the locking arm is designed to be too small, then the locking arm is easy to press down, but the locking arm will be easy to plastically deform and even damage due to excessive pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two separate elastic components with different functions. The first elastic component (locking arm) is optimized for ease of operation, while the second elastic component (supporting arm) provides structural support to prevent plastic deformation, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The second elastic component is positioned in advance to provide support to the first elastic component before excessive pressure can cause plastic deformation. This beforehand cushioning protects the locking arm from damage while allowing easy operation.
3Device complexity
If a single locking arm structure is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot provide sufficient support under excessive pressure without plastic deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second elastic components are integrally formed as a unified structure, combining the simplicity of a single-component design with the reliability of a multi-component system. This merging approach maintains structural simplicity while providing sufficient support under excessive pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrally formed elastic structure serves multiple functions: the first elastic component provides locking action while the second elastic component provides structural support. This multi-functionality achieves both structural simplicity and damage resistance.
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 supporting arm enhances the locking force and prevents damage to the locking arm under excessive pressure, while allowing for efficient connection and disconnection with reduced effort, ensuring a stable and reliable connection between the electrical and mating connectors.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic locking arm has a first elasticity; an elastic supporting arm positioned between the elastic locking arm and the upper surface of the insulative housing and having a second elasticity; when the elastic locking arm and the upper surface of the insulative housing together apply a pressure to the elastic supporting arm, the elastic supporting arm is capable of providing an elastic supporting force
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector has an insulative housing, a plurality of conductive terminals mounted in the housing and a locking structure integrally formed on the housing. The locking structure has an elastic locking member and an elastic supporting arm. The locking member has an elastic locking arm and a locking portion provided on the locking arm, one end of the locking arm is connected to the housing, the other end of the locking arm is free and is suspended above an upper surface of the housing. The supporting arm is positioned between the locking arm and the upper surface of the housing. When the locking arm and the upper surface of the housing together apply a pressure to the supporting arm, the supporting arm is capable of providing an elastic supporting force for the locking arm in a direction away from the upper surface of the housing.