Terminal Protector Sidewall Cantilevers for Compact Connector Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector designs with arched elastic arms protruding beyond the side wall occupy excessive space, reducing the effective utilization rate of internal space and limiting terminal size and spacing, which can lead to damage and performance issues.
Innovation Solution
A terminal protector with first and second elastic cantilevers integrated into the side wall, allowing for space-efficient movement between initial and final positions without protruding beyond the wall, and engagement mechanisms to secure the protector in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an arched elastic arm completely protrudes beyond the side wall of the floating support, then the floating support can be engaged with the mating connector, but it occupies a large space inside the connector, reducing the effective utilization rate of internal space
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic arm is redesigned as a cantilever structure integrated into the side wall, changing from a protruding three-dimensional form to a planar integration within the side wall thickness dimension. This allows the engagement function to be maintained while eliminating the protrusion that occupied internal space.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic arm is merged with the side wall of the floating support, forming an integrated structure where the elastic arm is a part of the side wall. This merging eliminates the need for separate protruding components and improves space utilization by incorporating the engagement mechanism within the existing structural boundaries.
2Reliability
If the floating support structure is designed to accommodate a large elastic arm, then engagement with mating connector is achieved, but the size of terminals and spacing between terminals must be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic arm is merged with the side wall of the floating support, forming an integrated structure where the elastic arm is a part of the side wall. This merging eliminates the need for separate protruding components and improves space utilization by incorporating the engagement mechanism within the existing structural boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic arm is redesigned as a cantilever structure integrated into the side wall, changing from a protruding three-dimensional form to a planar integration within the side wall thickness dimension. This allows the engagement function to be maintained while eliminating the protrusion that occupied internal space.
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
Enhances space utilization within the connector, preventing terminal damage, and maintaining performance by integrating elastic cantilevers that do not occupy additional space, thus improving the connector's internal efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A first elastic cantilever is formed on the side wall of the terminal protector, the first elastic cantilever is a part of the side wall
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal protector, a connector and a connector assembly are disclosed. the terminal protector has: a side wall; and a base plate connected to the bottom of the side wall and formed with a hole allowing the terminal to pass through. A first elastic cantilever is formed on the side wall of the terminal protector, the first elastic cantilever is a part of the side wall, and the inner and outer surfaces of the first elastic cantilever are respectively flush with the inner and outer surfaces of the side wall, so that the first elastic cantilever does not occupy the space outside the side wall. The elastic cantilever on the terminal protector does not occupy the space outside the side wall of the terminal protector.