Plug Connector Axial Misalignment Compensation Spring Section
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug connections are prone to errors and are expensive due to their complex structure, especially when handling multiple conductors, and they can only accommodate a small axis offset, which limits their ability to compensate for tolerances between connected components.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a one-piece conductor with a spring area between its legs, allowing for axial offset compensation through elastic deformation without stress, and an outer conductor with a spring cage for additional support, enabling a compact, weight-reduced, and error-free transmission of high-frequency signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a rigid conductor design is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to axial misalignment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor is designed with a spring section that allows dynamic adjustment during insertion. The spring section can be pre-formed or created by bending, enabling the conductor to adapt its shape to compensate for axial misalignment between connectors while maintaining precise electrical contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductor's geometric parameters are modified by introducing a spring section with specific curvature radius and pitch. This changes the conductor from a rigid straight form to a flexible form that can elastically deform to accommodate varying insertion depths and axial offsets.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complex multi-part conductor structure is used, then adaptability to misalignment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring section is integrated directly into the conductor as a single continuous piece, eliminating the need for separate spring components and multiple assembly steps. The conductor maintains its electrical function while incorporating the spring mechanism, reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductor incorporates a flexible spring section that can be pre-formed or bent into shape. This flexible portion allows the rigid conductor to adapt to misalignment without requiring complex multi-part structures, achieving simplicity through controlled flexibility.
3Strength
If a conductor with high elastic stiffness is used, then structural strength is improved, but compensation capability for axial misalignment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor exhibits different mechanical properties in different sections: the contact portions maintain high stiffness for reliable electrical connection, while the spring section has reduced stiffness to enable elastic deformation for compensating axial misalignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring section's elastic deformation characteristics allow the conductor to dynamically adjust to misalignment during insertion. The spring constant is optimized to provide sufficient compliance for compensation while maintaining structural integrity and electrical performance.
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 allows for generous horizontal and vertical axis offsets, ensuring trouble-free signal transmission while maintaining mechanical and electrical integrity, and can be automatically assembled on printed circuit boards, reducing production costs and improving reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the conductor is resiliently arranged in the region of the first leg by the spring section. Any axial misalignment can be compensated solely by elastic deformation of the spring section
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a connector (10) comprising at least one housing (11) with at least one recess (30) and at least one conductor (12), wherein the at least one conductor (12) has a first end (13) and a second end (14), wherein the at least one conductor (12) is partially held in the recess (30) of the housing (11), wherein at least one spring section (40) is arranged between the first end (13) and the second end (14), and wherein the first end (13) of the conductor (12) is resiliently deflectable about the spring section (40) to compensate for an axial misalignment. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a plug connection (1) with at least one first connector (10) and one second connector (50).