Plug Connector Locking Arms and Ground Terminal Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug connectors experience unstable electrical contact between elastic clamp hooks and ground terminals, leading to an inconsistent ground path due to the deformation of locking portions, which limits the effectiveness of grounding.
Innovation Solution
A plug connector design featuring a latch member with locking arms and a first tail portion that forms an electrical connection with the ground terminal, ensuring a stable ground path by engaging with buckling slots of a mating connector, while the clamping arms elastically urge against the connecting portion to maintain contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the locking portion deforms to engage with the buckling slot, then the locking function is achieved, but the electrical contact between the elastic clamp hooks and ground terminals becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The latch member is divided into separate functional components: locking portions for mechanical engagement and a first tail portion for electrical connection. This segmentation allows the locking portions to deform for engagement while the first tail portion remains dedicated to maintaining stable electrical contact with ground terminals, resolving the conflict between locking function and electrical contact stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The first tail portion acts as an intermediary element that provides a dedicated electrical connection path between the latch member and ground terminals. This intermediary structure ensures that the electrical contact is not compromised by the deformation of the locking portions during engagement.
2Strength
If the locking portion deforms outward to engage with the buckling slot, then the locking function is achieved, but the ground path becomes inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the locking function (locking portions) from the grounding function (first tail portion), the patent ensures that deformation during locking engagement does not affect the consistency of the ground path. The first tail portion is specifically designed to maintain stable contact with ground terminals independent of locking portion deformation.
3Strength
If the elastic clamp hooks are made with larger positive forces, then the locking function is improved, but the deflection of the rear ends of the elastic clamp hooks is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The latch member incorporates elastic elements that provide dynamic adjustment capability. The locking portions can deform elastically to engage with the buckling slot while the first tail portion maintains flexible electrical contact through controlled deflection, balancing locking force with contact flexibility.
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 achieves a reliable locking function and a consistent good ground path between the latch member and ground terminal, enhancing electrical connectivity and stability.
Implementation Method 1
the clamping arms elastically urge against the connecting portion to maintain contact
Data Source
AI summary
A plug connector includes an insulating body having a mating portion, a ground terminal, and a latch member. A mating slot is disposed in the mating portion. The ground terminal has a first contacting portion protruding and extending into the mating slot, and a first tail portion. The latch member has a connecting portion and two locking arms located on two sides of the connecting portion. The first tail portion is in contact with the connecting portion, or in contact with the locking arms. Plate surfaces of the first tail portions are perpendicular to plate surfaces of the locking arms. The locking arms are located on two sides of the mating portion and respectively have a locking portion protruding and extending into the mating slot. The locking portions are used for engaging with buckling slots of a tongue.