Integrated Locking Contact for Compact Connector Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors have a large dimension in the direction of contact arrangement due to separate lock and contact components, restricting pattern formation and requiring complex via hole arrangements, which limits the number of contacts that can be arranged side-by-side and reduces holding force.
Innovation Solution
A connector design where the contact, locking, and pressure receiving portions are integrated and made of the same metal material, allowing for a more compact arrangement with increased holding force, enabling more contacts to be placed side-by-side while simplifying the connection target pattern formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If lock member and contacts are formed as separate components, then the locking function and contact function are clearly divided, but the array dimension in the direction of contact arrangement becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lock member and contact into a single integrated component called a locking contact. This locking contact includes both a locking portion that engages with the connection target and a contact portion that establishes electrical connection. By merging these two previously separate components into one, the patent reduces the overall array dimension in the direction of contact arrangement while maintaining both locking and contact functions.
2Device complexity
If multi-functional signal contact is adopted, then the number of components is reduced, but the pattern arrangement of the connection target becomes restricted and complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the contact portion closer to the locking portion as in conventional designs, the patent inverts the arrangement by positioning the contact portion closer to the insertion opening side and the locking portion closer to the circuit board mounting side. This inverted configuration simplifies the pattern formation on the connection target by allowing more flexible routing and reducing the complexity of via hole arrangements required in traditional layouts.
3Reliability
If the contact portion is located closer than the locking portion to the pressure application member, then the locking function is achieved, but the pattern arrangement is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by positioning the contact portion closer to the pressure application member (insertion opening side) and the locking portion closer to the circuit board mounting side. This inversion maintains the locking function while significantly improving pattern formation ease on the connection target, as the contact portion can now be more freely positioned without restricting the locking mechanism's operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A lock member has: a contact part that contacts one surface of an object to be connected; a locking part that has a shape allowing engagement with a part to be locked formed on the object to be connected; a connection part; and a pressure-receiving part that is pressed by a pressing member. The lock member includes at least one contact provided with a fixing function and used to enable electrification. The locking part projects in a direction that moves away from a board-mounting surface at a side near the board-mounting surface, at a position corresponding to the part to be locked of the object to be connected. The contact part is positioned on the side far from the board-mounting surface at the side facing the locking part, and at a position closer to an insertion side of the object to be connected than the locking part.