Receptacle Connector Forward Spring Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of torsion springs in RJ-45 receptacle connectors from the lateral direction is difficult due to their integration with the shell body of electronic apparatus, complicating the assembly process.
Innovation Solution
A receptacle connector design that uses a compressing spring instead of a torsion spring, allowing for forward assembly and connection between the main body and cap body, with a rotating member facilitating automatic closure upon plug removal through the elastic restoring force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a torsion spring is used to control the cap body opening and closing, then the automatic restoration function is achieved, but the installation becomes difficult due to lateral direction requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the installation direction of the spring mechanism. Instead of using a torsion spring that requires lateral installation, it employs a compression spring installed in the forward direction (from the front of the receptacle connector). This inversion allows the spring to be easily accessible during assembly while still providing the necessary elastic restoring force for automatic cap body closure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and configuration parameters of the spring mechanism. It transitions from a torsion spring (rotational deformation) to a compression spring (linear deformation), and modifies the installation orientation from lateral to forward. These parameter changes enable easier manufacturing and assembly while preserving the automatic restoration functionality.
2Device complexity
If the receptacle connector is integrated with the shell body of electronic apparatus, then the structural compactness is improved, but the lateral installation of torsion spring becomes even more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the installation direction from lateral to forward, the patent resolves the conflict between structural integration and installation ease. The forward installation path remains accessible even when the receptacle connector is tightly integrated into the shell body, allowing the compression spring to be installed without requiring lateral access that would be blocked by the integrated structure.
3Productivity
If forward assembly is used for installing the spring, then the assembly efficiency is improved, but a different spring mechanism (compression spring) must be designed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent accepts the need to change the spring mechanism type (from torsion to compression) as a necessary parameter change to enable forward assembly. This design modification, while changing the spring type, actually simplifies the overall assembly process and improves productivity, demonstrating that the parameter change leads to net system simplification rather than increased complexity.
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
Enables easier and faster assembly of the receptacle connector by allowing forward installation of the compressing spring and automatic cap body closure when the plug is unplugged, improving assembly efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
via the elastic restoring force of the compressing spring, the cap body rotates counterclockwise around the rotating member as the axis center, such that the cap body can be restored to the closing position automatically
Data Source
AI summary
A receptacle connector includes a main body, an insulating base, a tenon member, a compressing spring, and a cap body. The main body includes a first concave area. The insulating base includes a second concave area. The first and the second concave area constitute a joint cavity and an opening. The tenon member erected on the bottom surface of the first concave area and is threaded through the compression spring. The cap body includes a sheath portion slidably threaded through the tenon member and a cover portion occupied a part of the opening. The sheath portion is connected to the compression spring and when the sheath portion of the cap body compresses the compression spring, the cover portion of the cap body is capable of moving from a closing position to an accessing position relative to the opening.