Movable Connector Segmentation for Low Insertion Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bottom-entry type connectors require high insertion force for engagement, leading to potential incomplete connections and fretting wear, which compromises stability and ease of use, especially when multiple connectors are mounted on a circuit board.
Innovation Solution
A movable connector design featuring a fixed housing, a movable housing, and a manipulation housing with a contact reinforcing portion that applies pressure to the circuit-board connection terminal, allowing for zero or low insertion force engagement and stable electrical contact through a simple operation of moving the manipulation housing relative to the movable housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the contact pressure of the contact portion is increased to ensure stable electrical contact, then the stability of electrical connection is improved, but the insertion force becomes excessively high making engagement difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two operational phases: insertion phase where the connection object is inserted with low force, and engagement phase where the manipulation housing is operated to apply high contact pressure. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both easy insertion and stable electrical contact by separating these conflicting requirements into distinct operational stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection object is preliminarily positioned in the movable housing with low insertion force before the final engagement action. The manipulation housing is then operated to apply the contact pressure needed for stable electrical connection. This preliminary positioning followed by final engagement resolves the contradiction between easy insertion and firm contact.
2Ease of operation
If the contact pressure is decreased to reduce insertion force, then the ease of engagement is improved, but fretting wear occurs under vibration conditions compromising connection stability
Solution Approach 1:
The connector transitions from a static contact pressure design to a dynamic one where the manipulation housing can be operated to apply additional contact pressure when needed. The spring portion provides baseline contact pressure for easy engagement, while the manipulation housing enables dynamic increase of contact pressure to prevent fretting wear under vibration, resolving the contradiction between ease of engagement and connection stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connectors are mounted on the circuit board, then the functionality is enhanced, but the cumulative insertion force becomes excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement process is segmented into two stages: initial insertion with low force and final engagement with high contact pressure applied through the manipulation housing. This allows multiple connectors to be mounted on the circuit board without requiring excessively high cumulative insertion force, as each connector can be engaged using the low-force insertion followed by the manipulation housing operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The manipulation housing acts as an intermediary mechanism that applies the necessary contact pressure after insertion. This intermediary device enables the user to achieve firm electrical contact without applying high insertion force directly during the insertion process, making it feasible to mount multiple connectors on the circuit board.
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 facilitates easy engagement and stable electrical connections by ensuring firm contact pressure without excessive insertion force, reducing fretting wear and improving connection reliability, even under vibration conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a support spring portion that displaceably supports the movable housing relative to the fixed housing
Implementation Method 2
The contact reinforcing portion of the manipulation housing presses the contact portion against the connection object
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a movable connector that facilitates easy engagement and improves stability in electrical connection. The movable connector includes a manipulation housing that is coupled to a movable housing by a pressing operation of the manipulation housing against the movable housing. The movable connector also includes a contact reinforcing member that moves together with the manipulation housing by the pressing operation. The contact reinforcing member comes into contact with a pair of contact portions of a circuit-board connection terminal and thereby presses the contact portions against a pin terminal.