Floating Connector Housing Assembly for Radial Misalignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Installation position errors between male and female connectors can cause radial misalignment, leading to damage or cracking when forcibly mated, due to the lack of a mechanism to absorb and correct such errors.
Innovation Solution
A connector housing assembly with a radially floating first housing, featuring a support member, an elastic ring, and a connecting member, which allows radial and axial floating to correct alignment errors by compressing the elastic ring between the support member and the mounting hole, enabling smooth mating without damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the housing is rigidly fixed to the installation panel, then the installation structure is simple and stable, but installation position errors cause radial misalignment leading to connector damage
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is transformed from a rigid fixed structure to a dynamic floating structure. The support member with radial clearance (0.5-2mm) allows the housing to move radially relative to the installation panel, absorbing alignment errors dynamically during connector mating operations
Solution Approach 2:
The support member acts as an intermediary between the housing and the installation panel. It provides a controlled radial clearance that mediates the connection, allowing the housing to float and self-align while maintaining structural support
2Adaptability or versatility
If the housing is allowed to float radially, then installation position errors are absorbed, but the housing stability and positioning precision may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The radial clearance parameter is optimized to 0.5-2mm to balance floating capability and positioning precision. This parameter range allows sufficient movement to absorb alignment errors while maintaining adequate positioning accuracy for proper connector mating
3Manufacturing precision
If the elastic ring compresses the support member against the mounting hole, then the housing is constrained radially, but the ability to absorb alignment errors is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic ring applies partial constraining force rather than complete rigid fixation. It provides just enough radial constraint to maintain positioning accuracy while allowing sufficient floating movement to absorb alignment errors, achieving a balanced state
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 effectively absorbs installation position errors, ensuring smooth and damage-free mating of connectors by allowing the housing to float radially, thus maintaining alignment and preventing cracking.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic ring fitted on the first support member and radially compressed between the first support member and an inner circumferential surface of the first mounting hole
Data Source
AI summary
A connector housing assembly includes a first housing having a first flange installed on a first installation panel, the first flange has a first mounting hole, a first support member installed in the first mounting hole and having a first through-hole that extends along an axial direction of the first mounting hole, a first elastic ring fitted on the first support member and radially compressed between the first support member and an inner circumferential surface of the first mounting hole, and a first connecting member passing through the first through-hole and connectable to the first installation panel. There is a first radial gap between the first support member and the inner circumferential surface of the first mounting hole when the first housing is installed on the first installation panel, allowing the first housing to float radially relative to the first connecting member.