Transverse Hold-Down Beam for Compact Lock Arm in Electrical Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional low profile electrical socket connectors are too bulky due to the need for bulky ribbing and protective rails to provide sufficient strength and locking mechanism, limiting their applicability in size-restricted environments.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a transverse hold-down beam that imposes a hold-down force on the lock arm, allowing for a reduced size connector body by enhancing the locking mechanism with a lock nib and guides, eliminating the need for bulky ribbing and protective rails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bulky ribbing and protective rails are used to provide sufficient strength and locking mechanism, then the locking reliability is improved, but the connector size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock arm is divided into multiple functional segments: a resilient section with integrated straps for torsional bias, a hold-down section with beam for vertical restraint, and a lock nib section for engagement. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function while collectively providing reliable locking without excessive bulk.
Solution Approach 2:
The hold-down beam extends in a transverse dimension perpendicular to the lock arm's primary pivot axis, creating a three-dimensional locking geometry. This dimensional addition provides vertical hold-down force that complements the horizontal locking action, enabling compact design with enhanced reliability.
2Volume of moving object
If the connector size is reduced to achieve lower profile, then the adaptability to size-restricted environments is improved, but the structural strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock arm features localized reinforcement through the hold-down beam and integrated straps at critical stress points, while other portions remain slender. The beam provides concentrated structural support where needed without increasing overall connector volume, maintaining strength-to-size efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock arm integrates multiple material functions into a single molded component: resilient polymer for torsional flexibility, reinforced sections for structural strength, and guide features for precise motion control. This composite approach enables compact design with adequate strength through material and structural integration rather than additive bulk.
3Reliability
If a transverse hold-down beam is added to provide hold-down force, then the locking action is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hold-down beam is merged with the lock arm as a single integrated molded component rather than a separate part. The beam, lock arm, and guide features are formed as one unit, reducing assembly steps and part count while providing multi-functional locking action. This integration maintains reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock arm structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: the resilient section provides torsional bias, the hold-down beam provides vertical restraint, the guide features provide motion guidance, and the lock nib provides engagement. This multi-functionality within a single component structure improves locking effectiveness without adding separate dedicated components for each function.
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 solution enables a lower profile electrical connector with improved locking action and plug insertion performance, reducing the connector size and potentially eliminating the need for cable protection rails, while maintaining effective terminal connection and disconnection.
Implementation Method 1
A first set of the straps torsionally biases the lock arm toward a free state of rest and enables the lock arm to resiliently pivot with respect to the shroud
Implementation Method 2
The lock arm has an inwardly extending lock nib located midway between the first and second sets of integral connector portions
Implementation Method 3
a transverse hold-down beam integrally connected to the shroud and being adapted to impose a hold-down force on the free end of the lock arm when the lock arm is pivoted from its free state of rest
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A socket connector body (12) includes a shroud (20) adapted to receive a plug connector body (60), and also includes a lock arm (30) integrally connected to the shroud and having a free end (45) with an inwardly extending lock nib (46). The socket connector body further includes a transverse hold-down beam (42) integrally connected to the shroud, and being adapted to impose a hold-down force on the free end of the lock arm when the lock arm is pivoted from a free state of rest.