FPC Connector Actuator Cambered Surface Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors for flexible printed circuits (FPCs) face mechanical issues during reciprocating actions, leading to potential damage of the axis, necessitating a design that enhances mechanical properties for reliable operation.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector features an insulative housing with contacts and an actuator that includes a rotating cambered surface mechanism, allowing the actuator to slide between horizontal and vertical planes, utilizing a cylindrical shaft with a cutout for reduced friction and improved stability, enabling stable connection and disconnection of the FPC.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the actuator uses a traditional axis retention structure with reciprocating action, then the connector can achieve connection and disconnection function, but the axis may be destroyed due to mechanical stress during reciprocating action
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional linear reciprocating motion with rotational motion around a cylindrical shaft. The cambered surface (curved surface) on the actuator rotates around the shaft, converting the harmful linear reciprocating stress into rotational motion, which significantly reduces mechanical stress and wear on the shaft, thereby improving reliability while maintaining the connection/disconnection function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic rotational mechanism where the actuator can rotate around the cylindrical shaft. This dynamic motion changes the interaction mode from static linear reciprocation to dynamic rotation, reducing friction and wear on the shaft, thus preventing axis destruction while maintaining the connector's operational functionality.
2Reliability
If the actuator uses a cambered surface sliding mechanism, then the friction is reduced and mechanical property is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the single cambered surface structure: it serves as both the rotational interface and the actuation mechanism. The cambered surface simultaneously enables rotation around the shaft, provides the necessary mechanical advantage for actuation, and reduces friction through its curved geometry. This merging of functions achieves improved reliability without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cylindrical shaft with cutout structure serves multiple purposes: it acts as the rotation axis, provides structural support, reduces friction through its cylindrical shape, and the cutout allows for actuator engagement. This multi-functional design improves mechanical reliability while minimizing the number of separate components, thereby controlling overall device complexity.
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 enhances the mechanical reliability of the connector by reducing axis damage and providing a stable, low-friction mechanism for reciprocating actions, ensuring reliable connection and disconnection of the FPC while maintaining a simpler structure.
Implementation Method 1
the cambered surface slides between the horizontal plane and the vertical plane
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes an insulative housing, a plurality of contacts and an actuator. The insulative housing defines a front opening and a back receiving space. The receiving space defines a horizontal plane and a vertical plane connecting each other. The contacts include retaining portions, contacting portions and pressing portions. Each contacting portion and corresponding pressing portion extends oppositely from the retained portion. The actuator includes a base portion and several separate costal parts extending from the base portion. Adjacent costal parts are connected by a shaft and the pressing portions are against to the shaft. The actuator rotates around the shaft and defines a cambered surface at the costal parts, the cambered surface slides between the horizontal plane and the vertical plane.