Floating Connector Layout With Reduced Transverse Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connectors with floating functions in the prior art occupy a large transverse space due to the extension of elastic structures in both transverse and height directions, limiting their application.
Innovation Solution
The connector design includes first terminals with elastic structures deformable in the transverse direction and second terminals with elastic structures deformable in the longitudinal direction, allowing the inner housing to float relative to the outer housing, reducing the overall space occupied.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If both first elastic structures and second elastic structures extend in the transverse and height directions, then the connector achieves floating function in both transverse and longitudinal directions, but the second terminals occupy a large transverse space, increasing the overall space occupied by the connector
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the second terminals from the side walls to the end walls of the inner housing, changing their spatial arrangement from transverse to longitudinal orientation. This dimensional reconfiguration allows the elastic structures to extend primarily in the longitudinal direction, reducing transverse space occupation while maintaining the floating function in both directions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the terminal arrangements into two distinct groups: first terminals on the side walls with elastic structures for transverse floating, and second terminals on the end walls with elastic structures for longitudinal floating. This segmentation allows each group to optimize its space usage in its respective direction, reducing overall transverse footprint
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
This design expands the application range of the connector by enabling it to occupy less transverse space, making it more versatile and efficient in its usage.
Implementation Method 1
the first elastic structure is elastically deformable in the transverse direction
Implementation Method 2
the second elastic structure is elastically deformable in the longitudinal direction
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a connector and a connector assembly. The connector includes an outer housing having two side walls and two end walls; an inner housing arranged in the outer housing and having a plurality of mounting slots formed on both sides thereof in the transverse direction; two rows of first terminals respectively arranged on two sides of the inner housing in the transverse direction; and two pairs of second terminals respectively arranged at two ends of the inner housing in the longitudinal direction. The first terminals each include a first fixing portion fixed into the side wall of the outer housing, a first contact arm embedded in the mounting slot of the inner housing, and a first elastic structure connected between the first fixing portion and the first contact arm; the second terminals each include a second fixing portion fixed into the end wall of the outer housing, a second contact arm embedded in the mounting slot of the inner housing, and a second elastic structure connected between the second fixing portion and the second contact arm; the first and second elastic structures are elastically deformable in the transverse direction and in the longitudinal direction respectively, so that the inner housing is floatable in the transverse direction and in the longitudinal direction. The present invention expands the application range of the connector.