Slidable Latch Connector for Stable Contact in Miniaturized Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
As connectors are downsized, the reduced contact area between terminals leads to instability in electrical connections, posing a challenge in maintaining reliable contact stability.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly design featuring a slider mechanism with elastically deformable engaging parts that locks and releases the mating connector, ensuring stable electrical connections by controlling the movement between locking and unlocking positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the height of the connector is reduced, then the connector size is minimized, but the contact area between terminals is reduced leading to contact instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a slider mechanism that can dynamically change position between locked and unlocked states. The slider includes engageable parts that can elastically deform to engage with corresponding parts on the mating connector, providing dynamic contact pressure adjustment that maintains reliable electrical connection despite reduced connector height.
Solution Approach 2:
The engageable parts of the slider are designed to elastically deform, changing their physical state from rigid to flexible during engagement. This parameter change allows the contact area to be effectively increased through elastic deformation, compensating for the reduced overall connector height while maintaining contact stability.
2Area of stationary object
If the contact area between terminals is reduced, then the connector height is minimized, but the electrical connection reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The slider's engageable parts function as flexible elements that can elastically deform during engagement. This flexibility compensates for the reduced contact area by allowing the engageable parts to conform to the mating connector surface, maintaining reliable electrical connection despite the minimized connector dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic engagement mechanism allows the contact area to be effectively increased through elastic deformation of the slider parts. The system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic flexible connection that adapts to maintain optimal contact pressure and electrical reliability.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to maintain contact stability, then the electrical connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slider serves multiple functions: it provides the locking mechanism through its engageable parts, maintains contact pressure via elastic deformation, and enables easy engagement and disengagement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate locking components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving improved contact stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is merged with the contact maintenance function in the slider assembly. The engageable parts that provide locking also maintain contact pressure through elastic deformation, combining multiple functions into a single integrated component rather than requiring separate locking and contact mechanisms.
4Ease of operation
If the slider is made movable to enable locking and unlocking, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of unintended movement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engageable parts are designed with elastic deformation capability that creates a preliminary locking effect upon engagement. This preliminary anti-action prevents unintended movement by establishing a pre-loaded contact pressure that resists accidental disengagement, while still allowing intentional unlocking through sufficient force applied to the slider.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic deformation of the engageable parts provides a cushioning effect that absorbs unexpected forces or vibrations. This beforehand cushioning prevents unintended slider movement by accommodating minor disturbances, while maintaining the locking function under normal operating conditions.
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 solution enhances contact stability and prevents unintended disconnection by effectively managing the slider's movement, thereby improving the reliability of electrical connections in reduced-height connectors.
Implementation Method 1
At least one of the engaging part and first engageable part can elastically deform. Movement of the slider from the locking position to the lock releasing position is restricted by engagement between the engaging part and first engageable part, and sliding between the locking position and lock releasing position is permitted by at least one of the aforementioned parts.
Data Source
AI summary
A receptacle connector is provided with a slider and a first securing metal fitting. The slider can slide between a locking position where the slider locks a plug connector and a lock releasing position where the slider is separated from the plug connector to an outer side in a longitudinal direction such that locking of the plug connector is released. The first securing metal fitting has the hook, and the slider has the first engageable part that engages with the hook to retain the slider in a selected position.