Snap-Fit Connector Spring Segments for Reliable Latching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Plastic connectors and connector systems often fail to provide a reliable fit due to material tensions and shape changes caused by the injection molding process and subsequent temperature fluctuations, leading to suboptimal latching geometry and reduced resistance to connection loosening.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a base body with a cavity and spring segments arranged around the circumference of openings, allowing for elastic deformation and outward protrusions that ensure a secure snap fit by maintaining the protrusion's position and maximizing contact surface area between the protrusion and recess.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If plastic connectors are manufactured using injection molding, then production is cost-effective and fast, but material tensions and shape changes occur leading to unreliable fit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces spring segments that can dynamically adapt to shape changes in the plastic connector body. These spring segments maintain constant contact force with the latching protrusion despite dimensional variations caused by injection molding tensions, allowing the connector to accommodate manufacturing-induced deformations while maintaining reliable latching
Solution Approach 2:
The spring segments change their mechanical parameters (force, position) in response to shape changes in the plastic body. By allowing the spring to compress and extend, the system compensates for dimensional variations without requiring tighter manufacturing tolerances, thus maintaining fit reliability while preserving injection molding's productivity benefits
2Ease of operation
If the overlap between protrusion and recess is reduced, then insertion becomes easier, but the detent seat becomes less stable and comes loose more easily
Solution Approach 1:
The spring segment provides dynamic compensation that allows the protrusion to maintain optimal overlap with the recess throughout the insertion and latching process. The spring ensures continuous contact force that stabilizes the detent seat position, preventing loosening even when the geometric overlap is minimized for ease of insertion
3Ease of manufacture
If the protrusion position is not precisely controlled, then manufacturing is simpler, but the latching connection becomes suboptimal and offers less resistance to loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The spring segment acts as a self-adjusting mechanism that automatically compensates for position variations in the protrusion. Rather than requiring precise manufacturing of the protrusion position, the spring self-corrects for deviations by adjusting its compression state, thereby maintaining optimal latching geometry without increasing manufacturing complexity
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 achieves a reliable and secure snap fit with minimal play, effectively counteracting deformations and ensuring a consistent latching connection by utilizing spring segments and strategically positioned protrusions for improved resistance to connection loosening.
Implementation Method 1
each spring segment is configured such that it deforms elastically inwards against a spring force when pressure acts on the protrusion from outside, so that the protrusion can displace inwards
Data Source
AI summary
A connector with a base body which encloses a cavity between a first opening and a second opening. The base body is configured such that at least one cable can be guided through the first opening, the cavity and the second opening, wherein at least two bars are arranged on a circumference of the first opening, wherein a spring segment is arranged at least between two bars which are adjacent along the circumference and a total of at least two spring segments are present. An outwardly pointing protrusion is arranged on each spring segment, wherein each spring segment is configured such that it deforms elastically inwards against a spring force when pressure acts on the protrusion from outside, so that the protrusion can displace inwards, and that it can displace the protrusion outwards by the spring force when the pressure is removed.