Panel Connector Locking Frame for Elastic Snap-Fit Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connection devices lack sufficient elasticity and protection for their locking members, leading to potential damage from external forces and limited flexibility, while also risking solder wicking and short circuits due to terminal placement.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connection device features a locking member with a protecting frame that encircles the locking arm, an elastic arm portion connected between end portions to form a bendable zone, and a protrusion that prevents contact with the circuit board, enhancing elasticity and preventing solder wicking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the locking arm is directly connected to a side of the housing, then the structure is simple, but the elasticity is limited and not good
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is divided into multiple components: a protecting frame and a locking arm positioned in the protecting frame. The locking arm has two end portions with an elastic arm portion connected between them, creating distinct functional zones that improve elasticity while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic arm portion is constructed as an elastic zone which is bendable, while the end portions are connected to the outer frame body to form a deformable zone. This local differentiation of mechanical properties allows the locking member to have both flexibility where needed and rigidity where required.
2Device complexity
If the serpentine latch beam is exposed to the outside, then the structure is simple, but the latch beam is prone to be damaged due to lack of protection
Solution Approach 1:
A protecting frame is introduced as an intermediary structure that encircles the locking arm. The frame has an inner frame body connected to the insulative housing, an outer frame body, and two side frame bodies connecting them, creating a protective enclosure that shields the locking mechanism from external damage while allowing it to function.
3Device complexity
If the terminal is placed close to the circuit board, then the connection is compact, but solder wicking and short circuits may occur
Solution Approach 1:
A protrusion extends from the extending suspending segment toward the circuit board, creating a spatial barrier in the vertical dimension. This protrusion prevents the extending suspending segment from contacting the circuit board, thereby eliminating the risk of solder wicking and short circuits while maintaining compact horizontal spacing.
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 solution provides improved elasticity and protection for the locking member, reducing the risk of damage and preventing solder wicking, thus ensuring secure connections and preventing short circuits.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic arm portion is constructed as an elastic zone which is bendable. When the lock protruding portion is squeezed by the panel, the elastic zone is capable of bending deformation.
Implementation Method 2
The two end portions are connected to an inner side of the outer frame body so that the two side frame bodies of the protecting frame are constructed as a deformable zone which is bendable.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connection device includes a panel and a connector. The panel is formed with an opened hole. The connector includes an insulative housing and a locking member. The insulative housing is configured to be capable of inserting into the opened hole of the panel and moving to an assembled position. The locking member has a protecting frame and a locking arm. The protecting frame has an inner frame body, an outer frame body and two side frame bodies which connects the inner frame body and the outer frame body. The locking arm has two end portions, an elastic arm portion and a lock protruding portion. The elastic arm portion is constructed as an elastic zone. The two end portions are connected to an inner side of the outer frame body so that the two side frame bodies are constructed as a deformable zone. When the lock protruding portion is squeezed by the panel, the elastic zone and the deformable zone all are capable of bending deformation. When the insulative housing is positioned in the assembled position, the lock protruding portion is locked to the panel.