Miniature Electrical Connector Radial Footprint Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical connectors with extractable contact elements have a large radial footprint due to the placement of locking elements, which is a design constraint for 'micro miniature' connectors, and existing solutions are difficult to lock and unlock precisely.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector features a locating base with a dovetail transversal section and a metal locking element made by cutting and bending a metal plate, where the base is radially offset and elastically clamps onto a tenon joint, allowing for precise and simple locking without increasing the cell diameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the base socket of the locking element is arranged inside the associated cell, then the locking function is achieved, but the useful internal diameter of the cell must be greater than the outer diameter of the electrical contact element, increasing the radial footprint
Solution Approach 1:
The base of the locking element is moved from a radial arrangement inside the cell to an axial arrangement outside the cell. The base extends axially beyond the front end of the electrical contact element, allowing the locking finger to project radially inside the cell without the base occupying radial space within the cell. This dimensional repositioning resolves the contradiction by achieving reliable locking while minimizing the cell's radial footprint.
2Reliability
If the locking element comprises an annular base in the form of a socket extending axially into the cell, then the locking function is achieved, but the radial footprint of the assembly is greater than conventional connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The base of the locking element is extracted from the interior of the cell and repositioned to extend axially outside the front end of the electrical contact element. This extraction removes the base from the radial space within the cell, allowing the cell diameter to be minimized while maintaining the locking function through the radially projecting locking finger that engages with the locking notch.
3Reliability
If the locking element is made with a base that extends into the cell, then locking is achieved, but the design is not suitable for micro miniature connectors with small footprint requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element design transitions from a radial base arrangement within the cell to an axial base arrangement outside the cell. This dimensional change allows micro miniature connectors to achieve reliable locking through the radially projecting locking finger while minimizing the overall connector footprint, as the base no longer contributes to the radial dimensions of the cell assembly.
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 reduces the radial footprint of the connector, enabling closer alignment of contact elements and facilitates easy dismantling while providing accurate and secure locking.
Implementation Method 1
The finger projects radially inside the associated cell and it comprises a free end which is received in a locking notch of the intermediate locking section of the associated electrical contact element, in order to axially retain the electrical contact element. The unlocking of the electrical contact element is achieved by elastically deforming the locking finger to retract it radially towards the outside out of the notch of the locking section of the electrical contact element.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrical connector (10) which comprises an insulating body (16) comprising a series of at least two parallel and adjacent longitudinal cells (18s) which are aligned in a transversal line, a series of electrical contact elements (20s), each of which comprises a locking section (30a) which comprises at least one locking notch (42) and which is able to be received axially in one of said cells (18s) and to be axially immobilized therein, a series of locking elements (22s) each of which is able to retain axially, at least towards the rear, a locking section (30a) of an associated electrical contact element (20s), each locking element (22s) comprising a locating base (44) fixed axially relative to the insulating body (16) and at least one locking finger (56), a free end of which is received in a locking notch (42) of the associated contact element (20s) to retain it axially, characterized in that each base (44) is arranged outside the locking section (24c) of the associated cell (18s).