Retractable Stabilizer Low Coupling Force Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrical connector assemblies with retractable stabilizers require high coupling force for mating and unmating, leading to operator fatigue and potential damage to male terminals over time, as the stabilizer may fail to retract properly, increasing repair costs.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector assembly features a retractable stabilizer with a low coupling force design, utilizing a base with position arms, retention arms, and a securing member that minimizes frictional resistance, allowing the stabilizer to move between blade alignment and seated positions with minimal force, ensuring stable operation and protection of male terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current retractable stabilizer connection systems are used, then the stabilizer can protect and stabilize male terminals during connection, but the coupling force required to operate the stabilizer is undesiredly high
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer is designed to dynamically change its position between a retracted state (when not in use) and an extended state (when protecting terminals). This dynamic positioning allows the stabilizer to provide protection only when needed, reducing unnecessary friction and coupling force during connector operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical parameters of the stabilizer by changing its position (extended vs. retracted) and the engagement characteristics of its components. By adjusting these parameters, the stabilizer can minimize frictional resistance during normal connector mating while providing adequate stabilization when extended.
2Stability of the object's composition
If high coupling force is required to operate the stabilizer, then the stabilizer can maintain position, but operator fatigue increases and assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing it to automatically transition between states based on connector position. This reduces the manual force needed to operate the connector while maintaining stabilizer position stability when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer is designed to self-adjust its position and engagement based on the connector mating process. It automatically extends to provide stabilization when terminals are being connected and retracts when not needed, eliminating the need for high operator force to maintain its position.
3Device complexity
If the stabilizer remains deep in the male connector when unconnected, then the connector structure is simple, but male terminal damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer automatically transitions between extended and retracted positions based on connector engagement state. When the connector is unconnected, the stabilizer retracts to expose male terminals for proper alignment. When connected, it extends to provide stabilization, eliminating the need for complex manual positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer mechanism incorporates feedback from the connector mating process itself. As the female connector approaches and engages, the stabilizer detects this through mechanical interaction and automatically extends to the appropriate position, ensuring terminals are properly protected without requiring complex control systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
A connector assembly (10) includes a retractable stabilizer (16) moveable between a blade alignment position and a seated position in a shroud (24) of a male connector (12). The retractable stabilizer is in the blade alignment position when the connector assembly is unmated and in the seated position when the connector assembly is mated. The retractable stabilizer includes a base and at least one position arm, at least one retention feature, and a securing member that extends from the base. When the connector assembly is unmated, the female connector (14) pulls on the securing member which draws the retractable stabilizer to move from the seated position back towards the blade alignment position. When the at least one retention feature engages a blocking feature on the shroud, the at least one position arm flexes into at least one aperture defined in the shroud to secure the retractable stabilizer at the blade assembly position for reuse.