Nose-Shaped Projection Catch Element for Plug-In Connector Latching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical contacts in plug-in connectors face challenges in maintaining mechanical stability and preventing unintentional pullout under high forces, especially in miniaturized designs, due to the risk of deformation or breakage of catch elements under increasing torque.
Innovation Solution
An electrical contact design featuring an elongated housing with a catch element that includes a projection which contacts the sidewall of the contact cavity, distributing force effectively and increasing friction, thereby preventing the catch element from sliding and reducing deformation risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the catch element is made more robust to increase latching reliability, then the latching reliability improves, but the ease of insertion deteriorates due to increased elastic deformation force required
Solution Approach 1:
The catch element features a nose-shaped projection at its free end that concentrates the latching function at a specific location. This local geometric feature increases the mechanical interlocking capability with the contact cavity sidewall without requiring the entire catch element structure to be more robust, thus maintaining ease of insertion while improving latching reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the catch element is made more flexible to improve ease of insertion, then the ease of insertion improves, but the resistance to pullout forces deteriorates due to increased deformation under load
Solution Approach 1:
The nose-shaped projection extends in a direction transverse to the plug-in direction, creating a geometric feature that engages with the contact cavity sidewall in a different dimensional orientation. This transverse extension provides mechanical interlocking that resists pullout forces perpendicular to the insertion direction, allowing the catch element to remain flexible for easy insertion while gaining strength against extraction forces.
3Reliability
If the catch element projects further outward to increase latching leverage, then the latching reliability improves, but the torque on the root increases leading to potential breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The nose-shaped projection is pre-configured with its specific geometric shape and orientation before insertion. During the insertion process, this pre-designed geometry automatically engages with the contact cavity sidewall at the optimal position, creating the latching action before significant torque can accumulate at the root. This preliminary geometric arrangement ensures reliable latching without subjecting the root to excessive bending moments.
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 enhances mechanical stability and resistance to pullout forces without significant deformation, ensuring reliable electrical connections and improved durability of the contact and connector.
Implementation Method 1
the primary catch arm is first elastically deformed in the inward direction, in order to then allow it to rebound into a recess in the contact cavity
Implementation Method 2
distributed force effectively and increasing friction, thereby preventing the catch element from sliding
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical contact for plugging into a contact cavity of a plug-in connector. The electrical contact includes an elongated housing extending in the plug-in direction, and an elongated catch element for latching the contact in the contact cavity. The catch element is fixed in place on the housing by a first end. By a first section, the catch element elastically and obliquely projects from the housing in an outward direction, counter to the plug-in direction, and transitions from a second, self-supporting end of the catch element to a second section of the catch element, which is bent inwardly in the direction of the housing. The second section has a rear-side area whose surface normal extends essentially counter to the plug-in direction. A projection is situated on the rear-side area projecting from the rear-side area beyond a maximum longitudinal extension of the rear-side area, when viewed counter to the plug-in direction.