Socket Connector Loosening-Proof Hook and Button Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical connectors with lock mechanisms are complex and costly to manufacture, requiring additional components to secure connections between socket and mating connectors.
Innovation Solution
A socket connector design featuring an insulating housing with electric terminals that include a fix arm, elastic arm, and a hook to engage with a mating terminal, simplifying the connection and reducing manufacturing costs by using a button-activated mechanism to secure and release the connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lock mechanism with additional lock members is used to secure the connection, then the connection stability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacture cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking function with the existing electric terminal structure by integrating a hook portion directly into the terminal body. This eliminates the need for separate lock members while maintaining connection stability, as the hook portion works in conjunction with the elastic arm to provide both electrical connection and mechanical locking in a single integrated component.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric terminal is designed to perform multiple functions: electrical conduction through the terminal body, mechanical locking through the integrated hook portion, and connection maintenance through the elastic arm. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated lock members, reducing device complexity while ensuring reliable connection stability.
2Reliability
If a lock mechanism with additional lock members is used to secure the connection, then the connection stability is improved, but the manufacture cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the locking function into the electric terminal structure itself, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. The hook portion is formed as part of the terminal body, eliminating the need for separate lock member production, thereby reducing manufacture cost while maintaining connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-functional electric terminal performs both electrical connection and mechanical locking, eliminating the need for additional lock members. This reduces the bill of materials and assembly steps, directly lowering manufacture cost while ensuring reliable and stable connections through the integrated hook and elastic arm mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If a button-activated mechanism is used to secure and release the connection, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic arm provides automatic engagement with the hook portion when the terminal is inserted, requiring no manual intervention for locking. The button only needs to provide releasing force to disengage the hook, after which the elastic arm automatically returns to its original state. This self-service mechanism simplifies operation while minimizing additional complexity, as the system largely manages itself without complex control mechanisms.
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 provides a secure, steady electrical connection while reducing manufacturing complexity and costs by utilizing the hook of the electric terminal to engage with the mating connector, ensuring easy disengagement without additional complex components.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic arm locating at one side of the fix arm... The inner side of the guide portion further defines a hook which titles rearward to form a bevel plane
Data Source
AI summary
A socket connector with loosening-proof structure includes an insulating housing which defines insert holes in a front surface thereof and at least a receiving hole at one side thereof. The insulating housing has an upper cover and a lower cover. Electric terminals are received in the insulating housing respectively. Every electric terminal has a fix arm, an elastic arm locating at one side of the fix arm and a connecting portion extending from the rears of the fix arm and the elastic arm for connecting with a cable member. The elastic arm defines a guide portion at the front. The inner side of the guide portion defines a hook which tilts rearward to form a bevel plane. A button is configured in the receiving hole of the insulating housing. The button protrudes inward to form a shaft which is against the elastic arm.