Slider-Assisted Connector Assembly for Compact Reliable Mating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector technologies face challenges in preventing damage to connection terminals and achieving a compact size, as they often require complex alignment mechanisms and are prone to unintended separation due to external impacts.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly design featuring a first connector with a slider and elastic body that allows for compact structure and interference with a second connector, where the slider's deformation enables easy assembly and disassembly without separate manipulation of the connector lever, reducing the risk of unintentional separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex alignment mechanism is used to prevent damage to connection terminals, then terminal protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a slider as an intermediary component between the first and second connectors. The slider includes a head guide and arm guide that mediate the alignment process, guiding the connection terminals into proper alignment during the sliding engagement process, thereby protecting terminals without requiring complex external alignment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly performs self-alignment through the sliding mechanism. As the second connector slides along the first connector body, the head guide and arm guide automatically align the connection terminals without requiring separate alignment operations or complex external devices, enabling the system to protect itself
2Reliability
If separate manipulation of connector lever is required for assembly and disassembly, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the connector lever operation with the slider movement. When the second connector slides along the first connector body, the slider automatically presses and deforms the connector lever, integrating the lever actuation into the sliding motion. This combination allows assembly and disassembly through a single sliding operation rather than requiring separate lever manipulation
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding motion continuously performs multiple functions: guiding alignment, pressing the connector lever for deformation, and completing the connection or disconnection. This continuous action eliminates the need for separate discrete operations, improving ease of operation while maintaining connection reliability through the integrated mechanism
3Volume of moving object
If compact structure is achieved by reducing components, then device size is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to unintended separation risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic elastic body that can deform and recover. The elastic body is configured to deform when the slider presses during engagement, and then recover to its original shape to maintain continuous holding force on the connection terminals. This dynamic behavior allows the compact structure to resist unintended separation through elastic recovery rather than requiring larger mechanical constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic body changes its physical state between deformed and recovered configurations. During engagement, the elastic body deforms to accommodate the slider movement, then returns to its original shape to secure the connection. This parameter change (deformation and recovery) enables the compact design to achieve reliable resistance against unintended separation forces
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 enhances the compactness and reliability of the connector assembly by allowing for smooth engagement and disengagement of connectors without external impacts, preventing unintended separation and maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic body disposed on the arm guide and supporting the slider
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly includes a first connector having a connector cover, a head guide formed on the connector cover, an arm guide connected to the connector cover, a first connector body connected to the arm guide, and a connector lever connected to the first connector body. A second connector is slidable along the first connector body and engageable to the connector lever. A slider is slidable along the head guide and the arm guide, and a position of the slider changes by being pressed by the second connector. The slider presses and deforms the connector lever. The connector assembly further includes an elastic body disposed on the arm guide and supporting the slider.