Loose-Proof Module Connector Fixing Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face issues with connectors loosening during assembly due to excessive insertion force, which interferes with the assembly process.

Innovation Solution

A loose-proof module comprising a support frame with a fixing hole, a through hole, and an engaging portion, and a fixing member with stop portions that are sandwiched in a deformation space between the connector's engaging hooks and side walls, preventing the connector from dislodging by stopping elastic deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the connector is fixed by engaging hooks on the casing, then the connector can be easily installed, but the connector loosens when insertion force is too large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidconnector stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing structure is divided into multiple components: the support frame with engaging portions, the fixing member with stop portions, and the connector with engaging hooks. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the engaging hooks provide easy attachment while the stop portions prevent over-deformation and loosening, resolving the contradiction between ease of installation and connector stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The deformation spaces are pre-designed between the engaging hooks and side walls of the connector, and the stop portions are pre-positioned in these spaces. This preliminary action ensures that when insertion force is applied, the stop portions will engage the deformation spaces to prevent excessive deformation before the connector can loosen from the casing, thus maintaining both ease of installation and reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the connector is secured with additional fixing components, then the connector stability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector stabilityVSAvoidfixing structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support frame and fixing member are merged into a single integrated component called the loose-proof module. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and assembly steps while maintaining the stability function, as the support frame provides the fixing holes and engaging portions while the fixing member provides the stop portions that work together as a unified structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing member is nested within the support frame structure, with the fixing member inserted through the first through hole of the support frame. This nesting arrangement allows the stop portions of the fixing member to engage with the deformation spaces of the connector while being supported by the support frame, achieving connector stability without adding significant structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 loose-proof module effectively secures the connector in place, preventing it from loosening during assembly and ensuring stable connections in electronic devices.

Implementation Method 1

a deformation space exists between each of the engaging hooks and a side wall of the connector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9653857B1Electronic device and loose-proof module
Publication Date: 2017.05.16 WISTRON CORP
  • US9653857B1 patent drawing
  • US9653857B1 patent drawing
  • US9653857B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A loose-proof module is used for fixing a connector, wherein the connector has two engaging hooks and a deformation space exists between each engaging hook and a side wall of the connector. The loose-proof module includes a support frame and a fixing member. The support frame has a fixing hole, a first through hole and a first engaging portion. The first engaging portion extends from a bottom surface of the support frame and is adjacent to the first through hole. The fixing member has a second engaging portion and two stop portions. When the connector is inserted into the fixing hole, the engaging hooks are engaged with a top surface of the support frame. When the second engaging portion is inserted into the first through hole, the second engaging portion is engaged with the first engaging portion and each stop portion is sandwiched in the deformation space correspondingly.