FPC Connector Lock Structure for Higher Holding Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors face issues with insufficient holding force due to the biasing member being located outside the insertion part, causing the actuator to bend and compromising the cable's securement.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector design includes a lock member rotatably supported by a housing, with a biasing member located on the opposite side of the lock member, ensuring the hook and contact part are on the same virtual plane perpendicular to the rotation axis, and a cover member holding the lock member between the housing and cover, enhancing the holding force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the biasing member is installed outside the insertion part in the housing, then the structure is simplified, but the abutting surface of the actuator is separated from the projection, causing the actuator to bend and reducing the holding force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the biasing member from outside the insertion part to inside the insertion part, utilizing the internal space along the insertion direction. This dimensional repositioning allows the abutting surface and projection to be in close proximity while maintaining the biasing function, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and holding force.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member is nested within the insertion part of the housing, specifically positioned in the internal space. This nesting arrangement allows the biasing member to be integrated into the existing structure without adding external components, achieving both structural simplicity and improved holding force through proper spatial arrangement.
2Ease of operation
If the abutting surface of the actuator is separated from the projection of the actuator, then the biasing member can be installed outside the insertion part, but the actuator may bend due to pressing and the holding force is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement by positioning the biasing member inside the insertion part rather than outside. This dimensional change allows the abutting surface and projection to be in close proximity, ensuring proper force transmission and preventing actuator bending, thereby improving reliability without complicating installation.
3Ease of manufacture
If the hook and contact part are located on different positions relative to the rotation axis, then the biasing member can be positioned for easy installation, but the holding force for the signal transmission member is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the contact part of the biasing member at a specific location inside the insertion part that is optimally close to the hook. This localized positioning ensures maximum holding force is applied to the signal transmission member while maintaining ease of installation through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent repositions the biasing member from an external location to an internal location within the insertion part. This dimensional change allows the contact part to be positioned in close proximity to the hook, improving holding force while the integrated design maintains ease of manufacture and installation.
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 configuration improves the holding force for signal transmission members by ensuring the contact point is closer to the hook, stabilizing the lock member, and reducing component count while providing an electromagnetic shield.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member that biases the lock member toward a lock position in which the hook engages with the signal transmission member
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrical connector 1 includes a housing 10 that includes an insertion part 11 into which a FPC 60 is inserted, a lock member 30 that is rotatably supported by the housing and that includes a hook 311 that engages with the FPC, a shell 40 that includes an upper plate part 41 that covers the housing, and a protruding piece 43 that biases the lock member toward a lock position and that includes a contact part 432 in contact with the lock member. The shell is held by the housing so that the lock member is interposed between the housing and the cover member, the protruding piece 43 is located on an opposite side of the FPC with respect to the lock member and that protrudes from the upper plate part toward the lock member, and the hook and the contact part 432 are located on a same virtual plane VP extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to a rotation axis RC of the lock member.