Floating Electrical Connector Integrating Contact and Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors require a separate reinforcing plate for floating functionality, increasing parts count, assembly time, and overall size due to the need for elasticity and a complex shape.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector design featuring a conductive contact member with basal and mounting-side elastic portions, and first and second connecting leg portions that allow parallel displacement relative to the mounting board without a reinforcing plate, utilizing a convex portion on the housing to restrict displacement and ensure secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate reinforcing plate is used to provide floating functionality, then the electrical connector can be displaced relative to the mounting board, but the parts count increases and assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reinforcing plate and contact member into a single integrated component. The contact member includes both the contact portion and the connecting leg portions that serve as the reinforcing structure, eliminating the need for a separate reinforcing plate while maintaining the floating functionality that allows displacement relative to the mounting board.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact member is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical contact through the contact portion, structural reinforcement through the connecting leg portions, and enables floating functionality through its elastic deformation capability. This multi-functional design replaces what previously required separate components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate reinforcing plate is used to provide floating functionality, then the electrical connector can be displaced relative to the mounting board, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact member is formed as a single integrated piece that includes both the contact portion and the connecting leg portions. This integration eliminates the need for separate assembly steps to attach a reinforcing plate, reducing assembly time while maintaining the floating functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact member is pre-formed with the connecting leg portions integrated into its structure during manufacturing. This preliminary formation of the multi-functional structure eliminates the need for additional assembly operations to create the reinforcing functionality, thereby reducing assembly time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a reinforcing plate with elasticity and complicated shape is used, then the floating function is achieved, but the electrical connector increases in size
Solution Approach 1:
The integrating the reinforcing functionality into the contact member eliminates the need for a separate, bulky reinforcing plate. The connecting leg portions provide the necessary structural support and elastic deformation capability within the existing footprint of the contact member, reducing the overall volume of the electrical connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting leg portions are designed with thin, flexible structures that can elastically deform to provide floating functionality. This flexible design achieves the required displacement capability without adding significant volume, as the elastic deformation occurs within the existing structural envelope rather than requiring additional space.
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 reduces the need for a reinforcing plate, minimizing parts count, assembly time, and size, while maintaining floating functionality and preventing excessive displacement or detachment without additional components.
Implementation Method 1
a mounting-side elastic portion disposed between the basal portion and the first and second connecting leg portions
Implementation Method 2
a contact-side elastic portion rising from the basal portion and having a contact portion
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector allowing a housing and a contact portion to be displaced relative to a mounting circuit board, parallel to a board surface, without a reinforcing plate separate from a contact member. A basal portion of a contact member is present along an upper surface of a base portion of a housing. A mounting-side elastic portion of the contact member is present along a lower surface of the base portion of the housing. A folding-back portion of the contact member is located at a rear of the base portion of the housing to connect the basal portion to the mounting-side elastic portion. First and second connecting leg portions extend downward from the mounting-side elastic portion. Each tip side of the leg portions acts as a mounting portion for a circuit board at positions different from each other in a front-back direction.