Socket Body Notch Geometry for Plug-in Contact Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing socket bodies for electric plug connections require increased plugging forces due to the formation of notches that can push plug pins away from the push-in axis, leading to reduced contact properties and increased wear.
Innovation Solution
A socket body design featuring notches inclined at an angle to the center axis, forming spring tabs that are bent into the socket space, with an upper notch surface intersecting the shell surface but not the front surface, enhancing spring characteristics and contact force, and optionally including a cylindrical guide section and outer recess to improve plugging efficiency and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a notch is provided in the socket body to form a spring tab, then contact properties are improved, but plugging forces increase and the plug pin is pushed away from the push-in axis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the notch by inclining it at a specific angle (α) relative to the center axis of the socket opening. This angular parameter modification allows the spring tab to exert contact force on the plug pin while preventing lateral displacement, thus improving contact properties without excessively increasing plugging forces
Solution Approach 2:
The notch is designed with asymmetric geometry relative to the socket opening, with the inclination angle creating an asymmetric spring tab configuration. This asymmetry enables the spring tab to engage the plug pin in a controlled manner that maintains axial alignment while providing reliable electrical contact
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the spring tab is made shorter to increase rigidity, then durability is improved, but contact force may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the length and cross-sectional dimensions of the spring tab as geometric parameters. By carefully selecting the tab length (shorter than conventional designs) and adjusting the cross-sectional area, the design achieves increased rigidity for durability while maintaining sufficient contact force through the inclined notch geometry that concentrates the spring force effectively
3Ease of manufacture
If the upper notch surface intersects the front surface, then manufacturing is simplified, but spring characteristics are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the intersection behavior of the notch with different surfaces of the socket body. The upper notch surface is specifically designed to intersect only the shell surface and not the front surface, creating a localized geometric feature that preserves spring characteristics in the critical contact region while remaining manufacturable
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 increases the required plugging force, enhances contact properties, and allows for a higher number of plug cycles with improved spring tab rigidity and flexibility, ensuring a defined push-in procedure and reduced wear.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one notch extends as seen in cross-section transverse to the center axis inclined at an angle to the center axis through the socket wall in such a manner that at least one spring tab is formed, which spring tab is bent into the socket space
Data Source
AI summary
A socket body (1) comprises a socket space (3) which is delimited by a socket wall (2), extends along a center axis (M), wherein the socket space (3) has a socket opening (22), which is surrounded by an end surface (6). A notch (4) extends through the socket wall (2) at an angle (α) to the center axis (M) such that a spring lug (5) is formed, which spring lug (5) is bent into the socket opening (3). The notch (4) has a right-hand portion (7) and a left-hand portion (8), wherein a center plane (ME) extends through the center axis (M) centrally between the two portions (7, 8). As seen from the outer side of the socket body (1), an upper surface (16) of the notch (4) intersects exclusively the lateral surface (11) of the socket wall (2), but not the end surface (6).