Multi-Contact Connector Assembly for Stable Lock-Free Fitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connector assemblies for wearable devices and garments require complex structures with locking mechanisms to maintain a stable fitting state, leading to increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly design that utilizes a first connector with a retention projection and a second connector with a projection accommodating portion, featuring multiple contacting points to ensure stable fitting without a dedicated locking mechanism, allowing for electrical connection through aligned contacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent the module-side connector from coming off, then the fitting stability is improved, but the connector structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into functional elements (retention projection, contacting portions, accommodation recess) that work independently but cooperatively. The retention projection segments the locking function from the contacting function, allowing each to be optimized separately while maintaining overall simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention projection automatically engages with the accommodation recess through elastic deformation when connectors are mated, creating a self-locking mechanism that requires no additional locking components. The elastic material itself provides both the retention force and the structural support.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly includes a first connector and a second connector, the first connector having a first contacting portion disposed on a lateral surface of a retention projection, a second contacting portion disposed on a lateral surface of the retention projection opposite to the lateral surface having the first contacting portion thereon at a position closer to a base portion of the retention projection than the first contacting portion is, and a third contacting portion disposed on the first exposed surface at a position away from the lateral surface, having the first contacting portion thereon, of the retention projection in an opposite direction from the second contacting portion.