Snap-Lock Connector With Resilient Clip For UV Lamp
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 lamp breakage or electrical shock.
Innovation Solution
A snap lock connector system comprising a tubular end cap with clips and a resilient clip on the socket body, allowing for easy and secure insertion and locking of the lamp with minimal force, reducing the risk of electrical shock and lamp breakage, and incorporating safety features like asymmetric terminal arrangements and keying systems to ensure proper wattage and orientation.
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 is divided into separate functional components: the end cap with integrated locking clips, the socket with receiving features, and the electrical contacts. This segmentation allows the mechanical locking function to be independent from the electrical connection function, enabling easy insertion while maintaining secure connection under vibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking clips are designed with elastic resilience, allowing them to dynamically adapt during insertion and then maintain constant locking force. The clips flex to engage with the socket's receiving features, creating a dynamic locking mechanism that accommodates insertion movement while preventing displacement during operation.
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is added, then the connection stability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the end cap structure itself. The locking clips are integrally formed with or directly mounted on the end cap, eliminating the need for separate locking components. This integration maintains connection stability while minimizing device complexity by combining multiple functions into a single structural element.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking clips are designed to automatically engage with the socket's receiving features during insertion. The elastic nature of the clips allows them to self-adjust and lock into place without requiring manual operation or additional actuation mechanisms, providing secure locking while keeping the system simple.
3Ease of operation
If contact pins extend from the base, then electrical connection is facilitated, but misalignment and bending occur
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contacts are nested within the end cap structure rather than extending outward. The contacts are positioned inside the end cap body, with only minimal portions exposed for connection. This nesting arrangement protects the contacts from misalignment and bending while maintaining electrical connectivity, as the end cap itself provides structural support and positioning.
4Device complexity
If no locking mechanism is provided, then the connector is simple, but vibration causes disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The locking clips utilize elastic flexible material properties to create an effective locking mechanism. The clips are made from resilient material that allows them to flex during insertion and then maintain continuous locking force against the socket's receiving features. This flexible locking approach provides vibration resistance while keeping the structural complexity low, as it relies on material properties rather than complex mechanical components.
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, is easy to use, and reduces the risk of electrical shock and lamp breakage, while ensuring proper coupling and preventing misuse.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient clip provided on an inner side of the receiving wall
Data Source
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.