Flat Cable Connector Cam Mechanism for Click Sensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors for flat cables fail to simultaneously provide a low-profile design and a satisfactory click sensation indicating adequate contact pressure between the terminal and the cable.
Innovation Solution
A flat cable electrical connector with a housing, sheet metal terminals, and a rotatable movable member featuring a cam portion and pressure receiving portion, where the cam portion applies high pressure and then rests in a concave indentation to provide a strong click sensation and maintain contact pressure, while the design includes an attaching arm and linking section to secure the terminal without increasing the connector's height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the angle between the two straight sections of the corner portion is increased to provide a stronger click sensation, then the click sensation is improved, but the connector height increases and contact pressure is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the cam portion, specifically using a smaller angle (30-60 degrees) between the two straight sections compared to conventional designs. This parameter optimization allows the cam to generate sufficient click sensation through the rapid change in contact position while maintaining a compact connector height and adequate contact pressure on the flat cable.
2Ease of manufacture
If the angle between the two straight sections of the corner portion is increased to provide a stronger click sensation, then the click sensation is improved, but the contact pressure between the terminal and flat cable is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the cam portion geometry by using a smaller angle (30-60 degrees) between straight sections, which maintains contact pressure while providing click sensation through the rapid positional change of the cam contact point during rotation, rather than relying on a larger angle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a curved section connecting the two straight sections of the cam portion. This curvature allows for a more gradual and controlled transition of force application, enabling the cam to maintain steady contact pressure on the flat cable while still producing a noticeable click sensation as the movable member rotates to the closed position.
3Ease of manufacture
If the cam portion contact position changes quickly to provide strong click sensation, then the click sensation is improved, but the upward pressure is lowered too quickly to maintain satisfactory contact pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The curved section of the cam portion provides a gradual transition zone that extends the duration of effective pressure application. As the movable member rotates, the cam contact point moves smoothly along the curved section, maintaining upward pressure on the lever arm and ensuring sustained contact pressure on the flat cable while still producing a distinct click sensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the angular parameters of the cam portion, using a smaller angle (30-60 degrees) between straight sections combined with a carefully designed curved section. This parameter optimization ensures that the rapid position change for click sensation does not cause the upward pressure to drop too quickly, maintaining adequate contact pressure duration.
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 achieves a high degree of click sensation and stable contact pressure, ensuring reliable electrical connection without increasing the connector's profile, with the cam portion's shape and concave indentation ensuring smooth operation and secure positioning.
Implementation Method 1
a rotatable movable member (30) between an open position and a closed position and having a cam portion (33)
Implementation Method 2
Each of the terminals (20) includes a lever arm (21) extending in a second direction in which a flat cable is inserted into the electrical connector and having a fulcrum at a middle point thereof
Data Source
AI summary
When the movable member (30) is at the open position, the cam portion (33) of the movable member (30) is out of contact with the pressure receiving portion of a lever arm (21), making it possible to insert a flat cable into the connector on the contact side. When the movable member (30) is at the closed position, the cam portion (33) comes into contact with the pressure receiving portion that consists of a shoulder (21D) and a concave indentation (21B). While the movable member (30) is moving to the closed position, the cam portion (33) pushes the shoulder (21D) to provide the pressure receiving portion with the highest pressure. When the movable member (30) reaches the closed position, the cam portion (33) rests in the concave indentation (21B) while maintaining a pressure less than the highest pressure.