Floating Connector Elastic Deformation Misalignment Tolerance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floating connector devices have limited range of motion in the pushing direction and insufficient floating after mating, leading to low contact reliability and potential connector damage during attachment and removal.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a movable housing with elastic deformation portions that allow for increased motion in the pushing and removal directions, including tilting and rotation, without sliding of the contact group, enhancing contact reliability and tolerance for misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If movement restricting brackets are used to clamp the movable housing, then the movement range in the alignment direction is restricted and retention is improved, but the range of motion in the pushing direction is limited and floating after mating is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The contact group is divided into multiple independent contacts, each capable of elastic deformation. This segmentation allows each contact to independently accommodate movement in the pushing direction while maintaining reliable electrical connection, resolving the contradiction between contact reliability and range of motion in the pushing direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic deformation portion of the contact group is designed with specific material properties and geometric parameters that enable it to deform elastically in the pushing direction. By changing the physical parameters (elasticity, shape) of the contact group, the system achieves both reliable contact and sufficient floating capability after mating.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the movable housing is allowed to move freely in the pushing direction, then floating capability is improved, but the contact group may slide relative to the mating connector causing poor contact reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The contact group is designed with dynamic elastic deformation capability that allows it to adapt its shape during the mating process. The elastic deformation portion can dynamically adjust to accommodate movement in the pushing direction while maintaining stable contact, achieving both floating capability and contact reliability simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic deformation portion acts as a pre-designed cushioning element that absorbs excessive movement in the pushing direction before it can cause contact sliding. This beforehand cushioning mechanism prevents poor contact reliability while maintaining adequate floating capability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If movement restricting brackets are used to improve retention, then the movable housing is securely held, but the degree of freedom in the pushing direction is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The retention function is segmented between the movement restricting brackets (which provide lateral stability) and the elastic deformation portion of the contact group (which provides pushing direction flexibility). This segmentation allows the system to maintain both retention and degree of freedom in the pushing direction simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the connector are given different mechanical properties: the movement restricting brackets provide rigid lateral constraint for stability, while the elastic deformation portion of the contact group provides flexible response in the pushing direction. This local differentiation of mechanical properties resolves the contradiction between retention and degree of freedom.
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 provides a floating connector device with increased range of motion and high contact reliability, allowing for smooth connection and disconnection without contact sliding, reducing the risk of connector damage and improving alignment tolerance.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic deformation portion, connecting said fixing portion and said inverted U-shaped portion, in a free state unsupported by either groove; and said elastic deformation portion, by elasticity thereof in said free state, separates said movable housing from said board, allows said movable housing to sink in a direction of the board, and in a sunken state, allows elastic movement in said longitudinal direction of said movable housing, a direction orthogonal to said longitudinal direction, and a tilting direction
Data Source
AI summary
A floating connector device allows movement of a movable-side housing in board-parallel and pushing directions, allows floating in a pushing/removal direction when mated with a mating connector, and has high contact reliability. A fixed housing (11) includes a long through-hole and a pair of board-facing plates. A movable housing (12) includes an outer portion projecting from the long through-hole and a retaining projection overlapping the board-facing plates in plan view. A contact group includes a tail for board mounting, a fixing portion supported by the fixed housing (11), a U-shaped portion supported by a contact support groove in the outer portion, and an elastic deformation portion, in a free state unsupported by either groove, that by its own elasticity allows the movable housing (12) to sink in a board direction, and in a sunken state, allows elastic movement in a longitudinal direction, a direction orthogonal thereto, and a tilting direction.