Circular Shield Connector Spring for Vibration-Stable EMI Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circular connectors with push-pull locking mechanisms lack operational reliability in maintaining secure electromagnetic shield connections, particularly under vibration conditions, due to the inadequacy of spring washers like wave spring washers.
Innovation Solution
A circular connector design featuring a circumferential spring element made of conductive material with radially outward-facing bulges and recesses, housed in a circumferential groove, ensures secure shield connection through a push-pull locking mechanism, using copper-beryllium alloys or similar for enhanced durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spring washers are used for shield connection in circular connectors with push-pull locking mechanism, then the connector structure is simple and cost-effective, but the shield connection lacks operational reliability under vibration conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is segmented with multiple radially outward-facing bulges distributed around its circumference, creating multiple contact points with the mating connector. This segmentation allows the shield connection to be maintained through multiple discrete contact zones, improving reliability under vibration while keeping the overall structure manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element features localized bulges at specific positions around its circumference, creating areas of enhanced contact pressure and electrical conductivity. This local quality enhancement ensures reliable shield connection at critical points without requiring the entire spring element to be overly complex or rigid.
2Reliability
If simple spring washers are used for shield connection, then manufacturing is cost-effective, but the shield connection cannot adequately ensure security during operation and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is designed with inherent elasticity and radially outward-facing bulges that dynamically adapt to vibration and operational forces. The spring maintains continuous contact pressure on the mating connector through its elastic recovery, ensuring secure shield connection during operation without requiring complex active control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element's physical parameters (elasticity, bulge geometry, radial protrusion distance) are optimized to provide adequate contact force and electrical conductivity. By carefully controlling these parameters, the invention achieves reliable shield connection security while maintaining cost-effective manufacturing through simple material selection and forming processes.
3Ease of operation
If a push-pull locking mechanism is used, then the connector allows easy release by applying tensile force, but the existing spring washers cannot maintain secure shield connection during the locking operation and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is pre-loaded with elastic energy that cushions against disruption during locking and vibration. This beforehand cushioning ensures that the shield connection maintains adequate contact pressure even when the push-pull locking mechanism is actuated or when vibration occurs, preventing loss of electrical contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element automatically maintains contact pressure on the mating connector through its inherent elasticity, requiring no additional active control or adjustment mechanisms. This self-service capability ensures the shield connection remains stable during push-pull locking operation and vibration, while the locking mechanism itself remains simple and easy to operate.
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 design provides a reliable and cost-effective shield connection that maintains electrical contact even under vibration, ensuring secure transmission of electromagnetic interference shielding.
Implementation Method 1
The spring element (5) is held in a circumferential recess (6) of the housing element (2) and has at least two radially outward-facing curvatures (7)
Implementation Method 2
The curvatures (7) of the spring element (5) each have at least one radially inward-facing concavity (8). This concavity (8) ensures that at least two regions of the curvatures (7) point outwards and protrude beyond an outer diameter (dA) of the spring element (5)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a round plug connector for releasably connecting lines, having at least one housing element for receiving at least one insulating body and at least one locking element for releasably connecting to a mating plug connector. The housing element receives at least one circumferential spring element, and the spring element is made of an electrically conductive material in order to attach to an electromagnetic shielding, wherein the spring element is held in a circumferential depression of the housing element and has at least two curvatures facing radially outwards.