RF Connector Movable Terminal Elastic Force Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF connectors lack miniaturization and effective spring force maintenance, leading to potential fatigue and loss of contact reliability.
Innovation Solution
The RF connector features a cantilever-style movable terminal with extension arms and a resisting portion, supported by an insulative base with an engaging groove, providing enhanced elastic force and contact reliability, and is formed from a stainless steel plate with nickel and gold plating for durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional movable terminal structure is used, then the connector can be assembled, but the spring force is lost after thousands of cycles causing contact reliability deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The movable terminal is designed with a dynamic spring structure that maintains elastic force through controlled deformation. The terminal includes a resilient portion that can elastically deform to provide continuous contact pressure, and a limiting portion that prevents excessive deformation. This dynamic design allows the terminal to recover its spring force after thousands of contact cycles, solving the problem of spring force loss and maintaining contact reliability over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the structural parameters of the movable terminal by introducing specific geometric features: an inclining bottom wall in the receiving groove that provides a gradual transition for the terminal, and a limiting portion with controlled thickness (0.5-1.5mm) that restricts the deformation range. These parameter changes ensure the terminal operates within optimal elastic deformation limits, preventing fatigue and maintaining spring force throughout the service life.
2Volume of moving object
If the movable terminal structure is simplified, then manufacturing is easier, but miniaturization is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The movable terminal is nested within the insulative base, with the resilient portion fitting into a receiving groove that is formed as an integral part of the base. The limiting portion is positioned within the groove to restrict movement. This nested arrangement eliminates the need for separate housing components, reducing overall connector volume while maintaining the functional complexity needed for reliable contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the insulative base and the terminal receiving structure into a single integrated component. The receiving groove is directly formed in the insulative base, combining what would traditionally be separate parts. This merging reduces the number of assembly steps and manufacturing complexity while achieving miniaturization through efficient space utilization.
3Force
If the bottom wall of the receiving groove is flat, then manufacturing is simpler, but the movable terminal cannot maintain proper contact force
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom wall of the receiving groove is designed with asymmetry: it is inclining rather than flat, with a specific angle that provides optimal contact force. The inclining surface allows the movable terminal to engage at an angle that maximizes spring force while the limiting portion provides a stop to prevent over-compression. This asymmetric geometry is achieved through standard molding techniques, balancing manufacturing simplicity with mechanical 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
This design achieves miniaturization and maintains strong elastic force over thousands of cycles, ensuring reliable contact and reduced fatigue, while being cost-effective and easy to install.
Implementation Method 1
a movable terminal of a cantilever structure supported by the first insulative base, the movable terminal including a second contacting portion contactable with the first contacting portion, a second fixed portion extending from the second contacting portion, a resisting portion connecting with the second contacting portion
Implementation Method 2
formed from a stainless steel plate with nickel and gold plating for durability
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes: an insulative housing including a first insulative base with a first contact-receiving slot and a second contact-receiving slot and a second insulative base mounted to the first insulative base; an insulative cap attached to the insulative housing; a metal shell covering the insulative housing and the insulative cap; a static terminal received in the first contact-receiving slot; and a movable terminal received in the second contact-receiving slot. The movable terminal includes a resisting portion connecting and a pair of extension arms extending from the resisting portion. The second contact-receiving slot includes an engaging groove and a holding groove crossing with the engaging groove, the engaging groove defines a bottom wall inclining upwardly from a middle thereof to outer ends thereof to support the free ends of the extension arms. And the resisting portion is operable to be in touch with the bottom wall.