L-Shaped Connector Terminal Fixation in Compact Housing Cavities
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Solution Overview
Problem
As electronic devices shrink in size, existing electrical connector terminals struggle to maintain stability within reduced space structures, leading to unstable connections and flawed performance.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector terminal with an L-shaped elastic element and a limiting element, designed to be inserted into a housing cavity, which includes a mating housing with specific abutting and protruding elements to secure the conductive male pin and stabilize the terminal within the connector structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the size of electrical connector structure is reduced to match smaller electronic devices, then the size requirement is met, but the stability of electrical connector terminal in the structure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic element is designed to be deformable, allowing it to dynamically adapt during insertion and provide continuous stabilizing force. The element can be compressed during assembly and then exerts elastic recovery force to maintain stable positioning of the terminal in the reduced-size connector structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element is positioned within the housing cavity and works in conjunction with the limiting element and abutting elements. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional elements to occupy minimal space while collectively providing stable fixation of the terminal in the compact connector structure.
2Area of stationary object
If the space structure is reduced, then the connector fits smaller devices, but the fixing stability of terminal in housing cavity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The limiting element is designed with specific local features including a limiting portion and an abutting portion. The abutting portion specifically engages with abutting elements in the housing to provide localized stabilization, while the limiting portion prevents excessive movement. This localized functional differentiation ensures reliable fixation within the reduced housing cavity space.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of elastic element and limiting element creates a composite fixation system. The elastic element provides flexible, deformable support while the limiting element provides rigid positional constraints. This composite approach ensures reliable fixing stability within the compact housing cavity.
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
The design ensures stable electrical connections and secure fixation of the connector terminal within the reduced space, maintaining effective signal transmission and electrical connection between devices.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic element includes a first portion which is inclined, a second portion extending along a vertical direction and a third portion extending along a length direction of the mating housing. The second portion and the third portion of the elastic element are formed in L-shaped.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector terminal includes a mating housing. The mating housing has a mating opening, a limiting element away from the mating opening and an elastic element adjacent to but separated from the limiting element. The elastic element includes a first portion, a second portion extending along a vertical direction and a third portion extending along a length direction of the mating opening. The second portion is connected to the first portion and the third portion, and the second portion and the third portion of the elastic element are formed in L-shaped. The limiting element includes a limiting portion extending along the length direction and an auxiliary portion inclined toward the first portion of the elastic element. The limiting portion is connected to the auxiliary portion. The auxiliary portion is configured to abut one end of the first portion of the elastic element.