Plug Connector with Elastic Pawl for Flat Signal Medium

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing plug connectors for flat signal-transmission mediums require multiple processes and components, leading to complexity and potential backlash issues during attachment, which complicates efficient and reliable connection.

Innovation Solution

A plug connector design featuring a conductive shell with a medium receiving space and a retaining engaging pawl that elastically engages with the signal-transmission medium, along with an abutting elastic spring and positioning parts, to securely hold the medium without backlash, and a short circuit prevention mechanism to prevent electrical shorts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional plug connector uses multiple processes (setting process of flat signal-transmission medium, attachment process of conductive shell, adding process of fixing means), then the flat signal-transmission medium can be securely fixed, but the manufacturing complexity increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the setting process, attachment process, and fixing process into a single integrated operation. The conductive shell is designed with an elastic pawl that automatically engages with the flat signal-transmission medium during insertion, eliminating the need for separate fixing means and multiple manufacturing steps while ensuring reliable fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic pawl in the conductive shell performs self-service by automatically engaging with and holding the flat signal-transmission medium without requiring external fixing means. The pawl's elastic deformation allows it to flex during insertion and then lock into place, providing automatic securing functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a traditional plug connector uses multiple processes and fixing means, then the flat signal-transmission medium can be fixed, but the number of components and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of the conductive shell and fixing means into a single integrated component. The elastic pawl is formed as an integral part of the conductive shell, eliminating the need for separate fixing means and reducing the overall number of components while maintaining reliable fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive shell serves multiple functions: it provides electromagnetic shielding, structural support, and automatic fixation through the elastic pawl. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If the flat signal-transmission medium is inserted into the conductive shell, then the attachment process is simplified, but backlash may occur without proper engagement mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment simplicityVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic pawl is designed to dynamically respond to the insertion of the flat signal-transmission medium. During insertion, the pawl elastically deforms to allow smooth passage, then automatically locks into place to prevent backlash. This dynamic behavior ensures both easy attachment and reliable connection stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic pawl is pre-configured to exert a holding force on the flat signal-transmission medium. This preliminary anti-action prevents backlash by continuously applying a restraining force that counteracts any potential movement or loosening during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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 configuration simplifies the attachment process, enhances retentivity, and reduces the number of components, leading to improved productivity and reliability of the electrical connector while preventing electrical shorts.

Implementation Method 1

a retaining engaging pawl which holds the flat signal-transmission medium by being engaged with a part of the flat signal-transmission medium inserted into the medium receiving space is provided in the conductive shell, and the retaining engaging pawl is supported in a manner where elastic displacement is possible in a direction orthogonal to an insertion direction of the flat signal-transmission medium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic displacement: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

an abutting elastic spring part which abuts on a part of the flat signal-transmission medium inserted into the medium receiving space of this conductive shell and is displaced elastically in the insertion direction is provided

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic displacement: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9343832B2Plug connector and method of manufacturing the same
Publication Date: 2016.05.17 I PEX CO LTD
  • US9343832B2 patent drawing
  • US9343832B2 patent drawing
  • US9343832B2 patent drawing

AI summary

To make it possible to connect a flat signal-transmission medium to a plug connector efficiently and surely with a simple configuration where the number of components are reduced. In a conductive shell having a medium receiving space in which a terminal portion of the flat signal-transmission medium is inserted, a retaining engaging pawl which is engaged with a part of the flat signal-transmission medium inserted into the medium receiving space and holds the flat signal-transmission medium is made to be provided in a manner where elastic displacement is possible, and the retaining engaging pawl is configured to be engaged with a part of the flat signal-transmission medium owing to an elastically returning bias force of the retaining engaging pawl, and thereby, only by inserting the flat signal-transmission medium into the medium receiving space of the conductive shell, the flat signal-transmission medium is held without a backlash in the conductive shell owing to a engagement force of the retaining engaging pawl, and attaching of the flat signal-transmission medium is performed easily and satisfactory.