Floating Connector Ring Structure With Integrated Biasing Tongues

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing floating electrical connectors are complex and costly, often requiring multiple biasing washers or springs that complicate manufacturing and design, limiting space efficiency and increasing production costs.

Innovation Solution

A simplified floating electrical connector design featuring a mounting component with a bearing and a mating component, where one component has a floating ring and the other has elastic biasing elements, such as tongues, that press against the floating ring to establish electrical contact, and the other component has a floating ring, allowing for a more compact and cost-effective structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple biasing washers or springs are used in existing floating electrical connectors, then the electrical connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidconnector structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple biasing elements into a single integrated component that performs the function of multiple separate washers or springs. The biasing member is formed as one piece with multiple biasing elements extending from it, eliminating the need for multiple separate components and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining reliable electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The biasing member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical connection, maintains contact pressure through biasing elements, and structurally supports the floating ring. This multi-functional design reduces the overall number of components needed in the connector assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple biasing washers or springs are used in existing floating electrical connectors, then the electrical connection reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The biasing member is designed as a single-formed component that can be manufactured more economically than multiple separate precision springs or washers. By integrating multiple functions into one piece, the manufacturing process is simplified and material costs are reduced.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Volume of moving object

If a compact design is implemented in floating electrical connectors, then the space efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector volumeVSAvoidconnector structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The floating ring is positioned within the bearing, and the biasing elements extend into the gap between the floating ring and bearing. This nested arrangement allows components to be space-efficiently organized within a compact volume while maintaining clear functional separation and reducing overall connector size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The biasing elements extend radially into the gap between the floating ring and bearing, utilizing the radial dimension to provide biasing force. This dimensional approach allows compact axial positioning while maintaining effective biasing action through the radial gap.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 design simplifies manufacturing, reduces costs, and provides a more compact and reliable electrical connection between the mating components, enhancing space efficiency and reliability of the electrical contact.

Implementation Method 1

one component of the group of components comprising the mating component and the mounting component has at least one elastic biasing element, while the other component of the group of components comprising the mating component and the mounting component has a floating ring that extends into a gap between the biasing element(s) and the bearing. The biasing element(s) bias the floating ring against the bearing.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4668498A1Floating connector

Publication Date: 2025.12.24 ODU GMBH & CO KG

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5

AI summary

A floating electrical connector (1) comprising a mounting component (3) and a mating component (2) that is movable relatively to the mounting component (3). One component of the group of components comprising the mating component (2) and the mounting component (3) has a bearing (12) and at least one elastic biasing element (16). The other component of the group of components comprising the mating component (2) and the mounting component (3) has a floating ring (14) that extends into a gap between the biasing element(s) (16) and the bearing (12). The biasing element(s) (16) bias the floating ring (14) against the bearing (12). The biasing elements(s) (16) are tongue(s) fixed to the one component.