Reinforced Connector Structure for Small-Size Rigidity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
As electronic devices become smaller, connectors face challenges in maintaining sufficient rigidity, which can compromise their lifespan due to stress during coupling.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a base with protruding portions and sidewalls, reinforced by a conductive member with integrated reinforcing portions covering the sidewall corners and a contact portion for electrical connection, enhancing structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the size of the connector is reduced, then the portability of the electronic device is improved, but the rigidity of the connector is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connector combines a resin base with a conductive member made of metal material having elastic properties. This composite structure allows the small-sized connector to maintain sufficient rigidity while enabling elastic deformation for reliable electrical contact during coupling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive member is designed to change its elastic properties based on applied force. During coupling, the conductive member elastically deforms to accommodate alignment tolerances and then maintains stable electrical contact, providing both flexibility during assembly and rigidity during operation.
2Area of stationary object
If the size of the connector is reduced, then the footprint of the connector is decreased, but the lifespan of the connector is compromised due to insufficient rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The combination of resin and metal conductive member creates a structure that is both compact and durable. The metal conductive member provides the necessary mechanical strength and elasticity to withstand repeated coupling and decoupling operations, ensuring long lifespan despite the reduced footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive member's elastic properties allow it to absorb mechanical stress during coupling operations. This elastic deformation capability protects the connector from damage during assembly, thereby extending its operational lifespan while maintaining a small footprint.
3Strength
If a conductive member with reinforcing portions is added, then the rigidity of the connector is increased, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive member integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides electrical conductivity, structural reinforcement through its surrounding shape, and elastic compliance for contact. This merging of functions increases rigidity without proportionally increasing complexity, as one element performs multiple roles.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive member serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as an electrical conductor, a structural reinforcement element, and an elastic compliance component. This multi-functionality allows the connector to achieve high rigidity and reliability without adding separate dedicated components for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a base, a protruding portion protruding from a surface of the base, sidewalls surrounding the protruding portion, and a conductive member. The sidewalls include a first and second sidewalls extending parallel to one another in a first direction, a third sidewall extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a fourth sidewall extending in the second direction. A conductive member includes a first reinforcing portion covering the first sidewall, a second reinforcing portion covering a region including a corner where the third sidewall and the first sidewall are in contact, a third reinforcing portion covering a region including a corner where the fourth sidewall and the first sidewall are in contact, and a contact portion covering one end of the protruding portion. The conductive member integrally forms the first reinforcing portion, the second reinforcing portion, the third reinforcing portion, and the contact portion.