SMT Box Receptacle Actuating Tabs for Wire Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SMT box connectors face difficulties in easily releasing wires of varying diameters due to significant friction forces, which can lead to wire damage or connector separation from the PCB.
Innovation Solution
A surface mount box receptacle design featuring resilient spring fingers with actuating tabs that can be manually or tool-actuated to increase the gap between the fingers, allowing easy release of wires regardless of size, and manufactured by stamping and coining for versatility and ease of mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If biasing forces are increased to securely clamp the wire, then wire retention is improved, but wire removal becomes difficult and may cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into multiple functional components: spring fingers for clamping, funnel-shaped receptacles for guidance, and a wedge-shaped member for release. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - strong clamping during retention, but easy release when the wedge member is inserted to push the spring fingers apart.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the gap between spring fingers is reduced to accommodate smaller wires, then adaptability to fine wires is improved, but the ability to release larger diameter wires becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge-shaped member acts as an intermediary tool that facilitates the release of wires of any diameter. When inserted, it physically pushes the spring fingers apart, overcoming the friction and biasing forces that make direct wire removal difficult. This intermediary mechanism enables easy release regardless of the wire size or the gap dimensions.
3Reliability
If friction forces are increased to prevent wire loosening, then wire security is improved, but wire removal requires excessive force that may damage the wire or connector
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful friction forces are effectively 'taken out' or neutralized by introducing the wedge-shaped member. This member extracts the wire from the clamping action by pushing the spring fingers apart, allowing removal without having to overcome the high friction forces that would otherwise cause wire or connector damage.
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
Enables convenient and damage-free release of wires of any diameter, with actuating tabs allowing independent movement to clear the wire, enhancing usability and reducing the risk of damage to the connector or PCB.
Implementation Method 1
resilient spring fingers or contact tines extending from the side wall portions inwardly towards the axis to position free ends of the spring fingers in close proximity to each other
Implementation Method 2
the free ends of the spring fingers generate a significant amount of friction in the reverse or removal direction that must be overcome to remove the wire
Data Source
AI summary
A surface mount wire receptacle or connector includes an elongate flat base for surface mounting on a PCB. A cylindrical enclosure has spaced side wall portions at the upstream end of the base. A pair of resilient spring fingers extend from the side wall portions inwardly towards the axis. An actuating tab is provided on each spring finger to form cantilevers extending across the axis and beyond a cooperating spring finger and having a free end accessible to a user for application of generally opposing inwardly directed forces towards the axis to separate the free ends of the spring fingers when the actuating tabs are squeezed inwardly to release any captured wire.