Snap-Lock Connector for UV Lamp Vibration Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultraviolet lamps used in air and water purifiers face issues with secure electrical connections, which can be disrupted by vibrations, leading to improper operation and potential safety hazards, and existing solutions are complex and prone to causing lamp breakage or electrical shock.
Innovation Solution
A snap-lock connector system comprising a tubular end cap with clips and a resilient socket assembly that securely locks the lamp in place with minimal force, using asymmetric terminal arrangements and keying systems to ensure proper alignment and prevent incorrect connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional slide-in connector is used, then the lamp can be easily inserted, but the electrical connection becomes loose under vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs a resilient clip that dynamically adapts during insertion and locking. The clip flexes during insertion to accommodate the lamp end cap, then springs back to create a secure locked position, providing both ease of operation and vibration resistance through its dynamic mechanical behavior
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into distinct functional segments: the resilient clip for securing, the asymmetric terminals for alignment, and the end cap for lamp mounting. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while working together as an integrated system
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple contact pins are used, then electrical connections can be established, but alignment becomes difficult and pins may become misaligned or bent
Solution Approach 1:
The connector uses asymmetrically arranged electrical terminals on the end cap that correspond to asymmetric terminal positions in the socket. This asymmetric configuration provides inherent alignment guidance, ensuring that the lamp can only be inserted in the correct orientation, thereby eliminating alignment difficulties and preventing pin misalignment
Solution Approach 2:
The asymmetric terminal arrangement performs the alignment function preliminarily during the insertion process itself. The geometry of the terminals guides the lamp into proper alignment as it is being inserted, rather than requiring separate alignment steps or adjustments
3Reliability
If a push-and-twist locking mechanism is used, then the lamp can be securely locked, but the complexity increases and lamp breakage risk rises
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the twisting motion from the locking mechanism, retaining only the essential pushing and snapping actions. The resilient clip provides the locking function through a simple push-in motion that causes the clip to snap into place, eliminating the need for complex twisting mechanisms while maintaining connection security
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient clip performs the locking function automatically through its own elastic properties. When the lamp end cap is pushed into the socket, the clip naturally flexes and snaps into the locked position without requiring additional user actions or complex mechanical components, thereby reducing overall system complexity
4Reliability
If a heavy locking spring is used, then the connection can be secured, but the force required may cause lamp breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient clip is designed with specific elastic properties and geometric parameters that allow it to provide strong locking force during insertion, then maintain that secure connection with minimal continuous force. The material and dimensional parameters of the clip are optimized to balance locking strength with gentle operation on the fragile lamp
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 snap-lock connector system provides a reliable, secure, and safe electrical connection that withstands vibrations, reducing the risk of lamp disconnection and electrical shock, while being simpler and less stressful on the lamp, ensuring effective disinfection and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient clip structured to interlock with the clip notch
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~7
AI summary
An end cap may include an end cap body that is tubular in shape, an end cap face provided at a first end of the end cap body, a plurality of end cap terminals provided on the end cap face, and a clip notch provided on an exterior side of the end cap body. The second end of the end cap body may be open and structured to receive the lamp therein. A socket may include a socket body that is generally tubular in shape, a socket face provided at a first end of the socket body, a receiving wall extending from an outer periphery of the socket face and extending in a direction away from the socket body, a plurality of socket terminals provided on the socket, and a resilient clip provided on an inner side of the receiving wall.