Plug Connector Assembly with Spring-Loaded Socket Holder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies experience gaps and instability due to thermal expansion/contraction and repeated use, as rivets used for fixing components can loosen over time.
Innovation Solution
A plug connector assembly featuring a cannular shelter, fixing nut, socket holder, and spring, where the socket holder moves between positions along a center line, with the spring providing elastic force to maintain connection and prevent separation, and an O-ring for seamless mating, replacing rivets with a screwing mechanism for improved stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If rivet is used for fixing the fixing component on the main body, then the assembly is simple and manufacturing cost is low, but gaps and instability occur after repeated use or thermal expansion/contraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spring component that enables dynamic adjustment and elastic compensation for thermal expansion and contraction. The spring allows the fixing component to maintain firm connection during assembly while accommodating dimensional changes during use, resolving the contradiction between simple assembly and reliable connection stability.
2Productivity
If rivet is used for fixing the fixing component, then manufacturing process is simple, but the fixing component separates after repeated use
Solution Approach 1:
The spring provides dynamic elastic force that maintains firm connection between components. This allows the assembly to remain stable during repeated use while keeping the manufacturing process relatively simple, as the spring can be easily installed compared to more complex fastening mechanisms.
3Reliability
If a screwing mechanism with spring is used instead of rivet, then connection stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fixing mechanism into distinct functional components: the fixing component, the spring, and the main body. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together to achieve stable connection, making the increased complexity manageable and beneficial.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring introduces dynamic elasticity to the fixing mechanism, allowing it to adapt to thermal expansion and contraction. This dynamic capability significantly improves connection stability while adding only moderate structural complexity compared to rigid fastening methods.
4Device complexity
If the socket holder is fixed rigidly, then assembly is simple, but it cannot accommodate thermal expansion/contraction and repeated use
Solution Approach 1:
The spring transforms the rigid fixing structure into a dynamic one that can adapt to thermal expansion and contraction. The elastic force from the spring allows the socket holder to move slightly and return to position, accommodating dimensional changes while maintaining connection stability.
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 enhances stability and ease of assembly by providing elastic force to maintain connection and prevent separation, reducing manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for rivets and ensuring reliable connections despite thermal changes.
Implementation Method 1
The spring is arranged in the accommodating space, wherein two opposite ends of the spring are respectively abutted on the ridge and the fixing nut for providing an elastic force, and wherein the elastic force enables the socket holder to move from the second position toward the first position
Data Source
AI summary
A plug connector comprises a terminal module and a connecting module. The connecting module comprises a shelter having a bump arranged on an outer wall thereof, a fixing nut screwing on one end of the shelter, a socket holder having a ridge arranged on an inner wall thereof, and a spring. The terminal module is inserted into the shelter. The shelter is inserted into the socket holder, and the ridge is disposed between the bump and the fixing nut for enabling the socket holder to move relative to the shelter. The shelter, the fixing nut, and the socket holder define an accommodating space. The spring is arranged in the accommodating space, wherein two opposite ends of the spring are respectively abutted on the ridge and the fixing nut for providing an elastic force.