Connector holder for cable connector

Abstract

Examples are disclosed relating to connector brackets, electronic devices, and methods for securing one or more cables to an electronic device. In one example, a connector bracket configured to stabilize a cable connector includes a main body configured to operably extend over a first portion of the cable connector. The cable connector also includes a harness configured to operably engage a second portion of the cable connector and a biasing member linking the main body to the harness. The biasing member is configured to operably bias the harness against the second portion of the cable connector.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Many electronic devices include cables configured to transmit power and / or signals between electronic components. One or more cables may include releasable connectors configured to engage the cables to the device. However, some connectors used to engage cables to the device may be sensitive to vibration. In these examples, the cable may disconnect from the device when subjected to vibration. Summary of the Invention

[0002] This disclosure is provided to introduce, in a simplified form, a selection of concepts also described in the detailed description. This disclosure is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to the implementation of solutions to any or all the shortcomings mentioned in any part of this disclosure.

[0003] Examples relating to connector holders, electronic devices, and methods for securing one or more cables to electronic devices are disclosed. In one example, the connector holder, configured to stabilize a cable connector, includes a body configured to operably extend over a first portion of the cable connector. The cable connector also includes a wire harness configured to operably engage a second portion of the cable connector and one or more biasing members linking the body to the wire harness. The one or more biasing members are configured to operably bias the wire harness against the second portion of the cable connector.

[0004] Another example provides a method for securing one or more cables to an electronic device. The method includes providing a connector holder. The connector holder includes a body configured to operatively extend over a first portion of a cable connector attached to one or more cables. The cable connector also includes a wire harness configured to operatively engage a second portion of the cable connector and one or more biasing members linking the body to the wire harness. The one or more biasing members are configured to operatively bias the wire harness against the second portion of the cable connector. The method further includes engaging the cable connector with a device connector of an electronic device. The wire harness is removed from the body of the connector holder in the positive Z direction, and the connector holder is attached to the electronic device. The wire harness is then released to engage the second portion of the cable connector and biased toward the body in the negative Z direction.

[0005] Another example provides an electronic device including a circuit board. A device connector is electrically coupled to the circuit board. A cable connector is releasably coupled to the device connector. A connector holder is attached to the electronic device. The connector holder includes a body extending over a first portion of the cable connector. The connector holder also includes a wire harness engaging a second portion of the cable connector and one or more biasing members linking the body to the wire harness. The one or more biasing members bias the wire harness against the second portion of the cable connector. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 An example of an electronic device in the form of an electronic whiteboard is shown.

[0007] Figure 2 An example of an electronic device is shown, which includes a device connector electrically coupled to a circuit board and a cable connector releasably coupled to the device connector.

[0008] Figure 3 The example according to this disclosure includes a connector holder configured to stabilize the cable connector. Figure 2 Illustrative examples of electronic devices.

[0009] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 Another view of the electronic equipment and connector brackets.

[0010] Figure 5 It shows Figure 3-4 Bottom-up view of the connector bracket.

[0011] Figure 6 It shows Figure 3-4 Top-down perspective view of the connector bracket.

[0012] Figure 7 Examples according to this disclosure are shown. Figure 3-4 Top-down view of the connector bracket.

[0013] Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 The connector bracket, in which the wire harness is removed from the body of the bracket using a spreader tool.

[0014] Figure 9 This is a block diagram of an example method for securing one or more cables to an electronic device, according to an example of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0015] Many electronic devices include cables configured to transmit power and / or signals between electronic components. One or more cables may include releasable connectors configured to engage the cables to the device. However, some connectors used to engage cables to the device may be sensitive to vibration. For example, a cable connector that inserts into a device connector on a circuit board may be relatively heavy and / or bulky compared to a device connector. In other examples, sharp bends in the cable can impose a lateral static load on the connector. In these examples, the cable may disconnect from the device when subjected to vibration.

[0016] Portable or mobile devices may be particularly susceptible to vibration. Figure 1 An example of a portable device in the form of an electronic whiteboard 100 is shown. The electronic whiteboard 100 is mounted on a rolling cart 104. The rolling cart 104 includes casters 108, which can be used to move the electronic whiteboard 100 between different locations. If the rolling cart 104 rolls on a rough surface (such as floor tiles), the electronic whiteboard 100 may be subjected to a large amount of vibration.

[0017] As described above, the electronic whiteboard 100 may include one or more internal cables. For example, as described in more detail below, one or more internal cables may be configured to transmit signals between a video board and a display or other internal components. As described above, the connection between one or more internal cables and electronic components (e.g., the video board) may be sensitive to vibration, and the connection may be easily broken.

[0018] In some examples, the connection can be secured to the device connector using a bail latch. The bail latch can take the form of a wire that extends from the cable connector and locks into the device connector, or vice versa. However, in some examples, the device connector is at least partially covered by one or more other components of the device, such as a housing or electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. In these examples, it may be difficult to provide clearance for the bail latch without damaging these other components. Additionally, the bail latch is a statically retaining component. Therefore, when the cable connector and the bail latch become displaced or out of position, the bail latch does not provide a positive "re-positioning" force to bias the cable connector back into engagement with the device connector.

[0019] In other examples, other types of retaining mechanisms can be used to secure the connectors to each other. As an example, a cable connector may include a spring-loaded latch configured to engage with an interlocking mechanism on the device connector when the cable connector is engaged with the device connector. However, as with the cross latch, one or more other components of the device may interfere with the operation of the spring-loaded latch. For example, when EMI shielding is present, it may be difficult to visually inspect and determine whether the spring-loaded latch is fully engaged. Furthermore, as mentioned above, portable or mobile devices may be particularly susceptible to vibration. In some examples, large or continuous vibrations may render the connector unaffected by the spring-loaded latch. In these examples, like the cross latch, the spring-loaded latch does not provide a positive "re-in" force to bias the cable connector back into engagement with the device connector.

[0020] Figure 2 An example of an electronic device including a video board assembly 200 is provided. In some examples, the video board assembly 100 is a component of another electronic device, such as... Figure 1 100 electronic whiteboards. Figure 2 The example shows a video board assembly viewed from the positive Y-axis toward the negative Y-axis.

[0021] like Figure 2 As shown in the example, the video board assembly 200 includes a circuit board 204 and a first device connector 208 electrically coupled to the circuit board 204. In some examples, the first device connector 208 includes an I / O connector, such as the NANO-PITCH supplied by ILLINOIS, LISLE, MOLEX LLC. TM It will also be understood that the first device connector 208 may include any other suitable connector for electrically coupling the circuit board 204 to another component, device, etc. The first device connector 208 may be coupled to the circuit board 204 in any suitable manner, such as via soldering.

[0022] The video board assembly 200 also includes a first cable connector 212. The first cable connector 212 is releasably connected to the first device connector 208. Figure 2 In the example, the first device connector 210 is a female connector, and the first cable connector 211 is a male connector. In other examples, the first device connector 208 is a male connector, and the first cable connector 212 is a female connector. It will also be understood that the first device connector 208 and the first cable connector 212 can be configured in any other suitable manner using any suitable connection mode.

[0023] exist Figure 2In one example, the video board assembly 200 also includes a second cable connector 212' laterally spaced from the first cable connector 212 and a corresponding second device connector 208'. In other examples, the video board assembly 200 may include one, three, or any suitable number of cable connectors and corresponding device connectors. For the purposes of this disclosure, the following description of the first cable connector 212 and its relationship to the example connector bracket described below also applies to the second cable connector 212'.

[0024] exist Figure 2 In the example, the first cable connector 212 is longer than the first device connector 208 along its longitudinal Z-axis. Similarly, the mating area 216 (in which the first device connector 212 and the first cable connector 208 overlap along the Z-axis) is very small relative to the length of the first cable connector. Therefore, in the presence of large and / or continuous vibration, the first cable connector 212 may partially or completely detach from its connection with the first device connector 208.

[0025] exist Figure 2 In the example, the first cable connector 212 is also attached to several cables 220 that bend sharply at 224. Due to this sharp bend, the cables 220 exert a lateral force on the first cable connector 210 and a torque on the first cable connector 211 about the Y-axis. This torque causes strain in the connection between the first cable connector 212 and the first device connector 208, as well as the electrical coupling between the first device connector 206 and the circuit board 204. In some applications and environments, the torque can cause the first cable connector 212 to disengage from the first device connector 208, especially when subjected to vibration. Furthermore, retaining components such as the aforementioned spring-loaded snaps and latches are typically configured to stabilize the first cable connector 212 primarily in the Z-direction. Therefore, cable connectors utilizing these conventional retaining components may still be susceptible to lateral forces on the components along the X-axis and / or Y-axis.

[0026] Therefore, examples of connector holders, electronic devices, and methods for securing one or more cables to electronic devices, relating to solving one or more of the aforementioned problems, are disclosed. As described in more detail below, in some examples, the connector holder configured to stabilize the cable connector includes a body configured to operably extend over a first portion of the cable connector. The cable connector also includes a wire harness configured to operably engage a second portion of the cable connector and one or more biasing members linking the body to the wire harness. The one or more biasing members are configured to operably bias the wire harness against the second portion of the cable connector.

[0027] As described in more detail below, such connector brackets stabilize cable connectors in the X, Y, and Z directions, thereby reducing potential stress on the device connector, the device connector, and the circuit board, and protecting the cable connector from accidental detachment from the device connector. Furthermore, one or more biasing members provide a positive engagement force that biases the cable connector in the direction of engagement with the device connector. Additionally, the connector brackets can be easily installed in electronic equipment, and proper installation and positioning are easily visually inspected.

[0028] Figure 3 and 4 An example of a connector holder 228 embodying various aspects of this disclosure is shown. Figure 3 and 4 In the middle, connector bracket 228 is installed Figure 2 The video board assembly is in component 200. Figure 3 A top-down view of a portion of a video board assembly 200 including connector bracket 226 is shown when viewed from the positive Y-axis toward the negative Y-axis. The Y-axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal Z-axis of the first cable connector 212. Figure 4 A bottom-up view of a portion of the video board assembly 200, including the connector bracket 226, is shown when viewed from the negative Y-axis toward the positive Y-axis. Figure 4 For simplicity, cable 220 is not shown.

[0029] As in Figure 3-6 As shown, the connector bracket 228 includes a body 232, which includes an end 234 extending over a first portion 236 of the first cable connector 212 and a base 238 configured to attach to the video board assembly 200. In this example, the first cable connector 212 is a rectangular connector including a substantially flat surface in the XZ plane. (Reference) Figure 4 and 5 The end 234 of the body 232 of the connector bracket 228 includes a connector support surface 240, which is also substantially planar and parallel to the XZ plane. In some examples, the connector support surface 240 is configured to directly contact the first cable connector 212 when the connector bracket 228 is mounted. In other examples, tolerances or clearances are provided in the Y-axis direction between the first cable connector 212 and the connector support surface 240.

[0030] Refer again Figure 3 The connector bracket 228 can be attached to the surface of the video board assembly 200 such that the connector support surface 240 and the base 238 are parallel to that surface. For example... Figure 3As shown in the example, the video board assembly 200 includes an EMI shield 242. The EMI shield 242 includes an outer surface 244 that is substantially flat and parallel to the XZ plane. Therefore, a connector bracket 228 can be attached to the outer surface 244 of the EMI shield 242 such that a flat base 238 rests against the outer surface.

[0031] In other examples, connector bracket 228 may be attached to any suitable portion of video board assembly 200, or to another device or component. Connector bracket 228 may be attached to video board assembly 200 in any suitable manner, such as by fasteners or adhesives. In some examples, the base 238 of connector bracket 228 includes one or more openings 248 configured to receive fasteners. In this example, opening 248 is configured to receive screws or similar type fasteners for attaching body 232 to EMI shield 242 of video board assembly 200. Any other suitable type of fastener may be used to attach body 2322 to video board assembly 200, such as bolts, pins, or snap-fit ​​fasteners.

[0032] In some examples and now reference Figure 5 The connector bracket 228 is configured to be attached to the video board assembly 200 or other devices by adhesive 256. Figure 5 This shows a bottom-up view of the connector bracket 228 when viewed with the negative Y-axis facing the positive Y-axis. Figure 5 In this example, adhesive 256 is applied to portions of the connector support surface 240 and the base 238. Adhesive 256 can comprise any suitable material, such as a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) film. In this way, when the connector holder 228... Figure 3 During installation, adhesive 256 attaches connector bracket 222 to video board assembly 200 with connector support surface 240 in contact with EMI shield 242.

[0033] refer to Figure 4In this example, adhesive 256 is also positioned to attach the connector support surface 240 of connector bracket 228 to the first cable connector 212 and the second cable connector 212'. It will also be understood that adhesive 256 can be used alone or in combination with one or more fasteners as described above to attach connector bracket 228 to video board assembly 200. For example, one or more portions of adhesive can be used in conjunction with one or more fasteners to provide a stronger connection between connector bracket 228 and video board assembly 200 compared to using fasteners alone. In some examples, adhesive can be used at locations on the connector bracket where fasteners are not suitable. In some examples, connector bracket 228 can be bonded to video board assembly 200 using adhesive alone, which avoids introducing holes in the connector bracket and video board assembly that would otherwise be required by fasteners. In some examples, the target location of adhesive can utilize a smaller total surface area than fasteners. In other examples, the connector bracket of this disclosure may not use adhesive in this manner.

[0034] Refer again Figure 3 and 4 The connector bracket 228 also includes a wire harness 260 configured to engage a second portion 264 of the first cable connector 212. (As...) Figure 4 As shown in the example, the second portion 264 of the first cable connector 212 is located at the end of the connector opposite to the first portion 236 of the connector and is spaced apart from the first device connector 208 along the longitudinal Z-axis of the first cable connector. The first portion 236 of the first cable connector 212 is close to the first device connector 208 along the Z-axis.

[0035] like Figure 6 As shown in the example, the wire harness 260 includes multiple structures configured to support a second portion 264 of the first cable connector 212. Figure 6 This is a top-down three-dimensional perspective view of connector bracket 228. (See attached image.) Figure 5 and 6 As shown in the example, the wire harness 260 includes a first mating surface in the form of a first radiated portion 268.

[0036] Also refer to Figure 4 The first chamfered portion 268 engages with the corner 272 of the second portion 264 of the first cable connector 212. For example... Figure 4As shown, the first chamfer 268 captures a corresponding radius in the corner 272 of the first cable connector 214. In other examples, the first chamfer 268 may include a right-angle corner in the wire harness 260. In this way, the first chamfer 268 is configured to capture the corner 272 of the first cable connector 212 and resist movement of the connector in the X and Y directions. Furthermore, and as described in more detail below, the biasing member of the connector holder 228 is configured to push the first chamfer 268 into the corner 272 of the first cable connector 212 and transmit a repositioning force in the negative Z direction to stabilize the connection between the first cable connector 212 and the first device connector 208.

[0037] In some examples, a spacer material, such as foam, may be used in at least a portion of the engagement of the first cable connector 212 with the wire harness 260. For example, one or more sheets of foam may be applied to the first chamfer 268 such that the foam is positioned between the first chamfer 288 and the corner 272 of the first cable connector 212. When compressed, the foam deforms to provide a more resilient connection and a larger contact surface area between the wire harness 260 and the first cable connector 212, which can further stabilize the first cable connector 212.

[0038] As described above, in some examples, the connector holder of this disclosure is configured to extend over two or more cable connectors. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the example. Figure 3 and 4 In this example, connector bracket 228 extends over the first cable connector 212 and the second cable connector 212'. In this example, the wire harness 260 includes a second mating surface in the form of a second chamfer 268'. The second chamfer 268' is located on the side of connector bracket 228 opposite to the first chamfer 268. Like the first chamfer 268, the second chamfer 268' is configured to capture the corner 286 of the second cable connector 212' to resist movement of the connector in the X and Y directions and provide a repositioning force in the negative Z direction.

[0039] As in Figure 4-6 As best seen in some examples, the wire harness 260 also includes a rib 270 located between the first chamfered portion 268 and the second chamfered portion 268'. The rib 270 is configured to engage the first cable connector 212 and the second cable connector 212'. Figure 6 As shown, rib 270 includes a first edge 274 and a second edge 274'. (Refer to...) Figure 4The first edge 274 is configured to engage the inner corner 278 of the first cable connector 212, and the second edge 274' is configured to engage the inner corner 278' of the second cable connector 212'. In this way, the rib 270 cooperates with the first chamfer 268 and the second chamfer 268' to capture the first cable connector 212 and the second cable connector 212' respectively, thereby further stabilizing the cable connectors.

[0040] To bias the wire harness 260 toward the first cable connector 212 and the second cable connector 212' and generate the aforementioned repositioning force, the connector bracket 228 also includes a biasing member, such as a spring, that links the body 232 to the wire harness. The biasing member may include any suitable material, such as plastic, spring steel, or elastic material, and may comprise a single component or two or more components.

[0041] The biasing member can have any suitable structure. Figure 3-8 In one example, the biasing member includes two U-shaped springs 276 and 276' located on opposite sides of the connector bracket 228. Each of the two U-shaped springs 276 and 276' is located at the distal edge of the connector bracket 228 relative to the X-axis. In other examples, the biasing member may include one or more helical springs, leaf springs, or other spring configurations.

[0042] In some examples, the body 232 of the connector bracket 228, the wire harness 260, and the U-shaped springs 276, 276' comprise the same material. Figure 3-8 In the example shown, connector bracket 282 includes a one-piece structure in which body 232, wire harness 260, and U-shaped springs 276, 276' form a single one-piece structure. The one-piece structure can be formed from any suitable material, such as plastic or steel. In this way, connector bracket 282 can be relatively inexpensive, simple, and easy to mass-produce.

[0043] In other examples, the body 232, wire harness 260, and U-shaped springs 276, 276' may comprise separate and discrete physical components assembled to form connector bracket 228. For example, U-shaped springs 266, 276' may be configured to attach to or insert into the body 232 and wire harness 260 to link the body 232 to the wire harness 260. In these examples, one or more of the body 232, wire harness 260, and U-shaped springs 276, 276' may comprise the same or different materials.

[0044] like Figure 7 and 8 As shown in the example, each of the U-shaped springs 276, 276' is configured to bend in the XZ plane when compressed or stretched in the Z direction. Figure 7In the example, connector bracket 228 is shown with U-shaped springs 276, 276' in a neutral position, in which the springs do not exert spring force on body 232 and / or wire harness 260.

[0045] exist Figure 8 In the example, the wire harness 260 is displaced away from the body 232 in the positive Z-axis direction. Correspondingly, U-shaped springs 276, 276' extend along the positive Z-axis direction. As the U-shaped springs 276, 276' extend in the positive Z-axis direction, each spring exerts a force on the wire harness 260 in the negative Z-axis direction and a force on the body 232 in the positive Z-axis direction. In this way, the U-shaped springs 276, 276' bias the wire harness 260 and the body 232 toward each other.

[0046] Refer again Figure 7 And also refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 ,exist Figure 7 In the neutral configuration, the Z-axis positions of the first chamfered portion 268 and the second chamfered portion 268' overlap with the Z-axis positions of the corner portions 272 and 286 of the first and second cable connectors 212 and 212', respectively. Therefore, and as in... Figure 3 and 4 As shown, when the connector bracket 228 is installed and engages the first and second cable connectors 212 and 212', U-shaped springs 276 and 276' bias the wire harness 260 along the Z-axis toward the body 232, thereby pressing the first and second chamfered portions 268 and 268' into the corners 272 and 286 of the first and second cable connectors 212 and 212', respectively. Furthermore, the first and second edges 274 and 274' of the rib 270 are similarly pushed to contact the inner corners 278 and 278' of the first and second cable connectors 212 and 212', respectively.

[0047] Now for reference Figure 6 In some examples, connector bracket 228 includes one or more tool engagement parts to assist in removing wire harness 260 from body 232. These tool engagement parts may have any suitable construction, such as one or more openings, slots, or holes configured to receive at least a portion of an expander tool for removing wire harness 260 from body 232. Figure 6 As shown in the example, connector bracket 228 includes two tool engagement parts in the form of holes 280 extending through the body 232 of connector bracket 222. In some examples, an installation technician can engage an expander tool (such as reverse pliers) with one or more holes 280 to remove the harness 260 from the body 232.

[0048] Refer again Figure 8In some examples, the wiring harness 260 can be pre-stretched before the connector bracket 228 is installed. In this example, an expander tool in the form of a shim 284 is inserted between the wiring harness 260 and the body 232 to hold the wiring harness displaced from the body, while U-shaped springs 276, 276' apply a return force to the wiring harness. In this way, an installation technician can easily position and attach the body 232 of the connector bracket 228 to the video board assembly 200, remove the shim 284 to release the wiring harness 260, and guide the wiring harness and its mating surfaces into contact with the corresponding surfaces of the first and second cable connectors 212, 212' as described above.

[0049] In this manner, the spring force provided by the U-shaped springs 276, 276' acts through the wiring harness 260 to push the first and second cable connectors 212, 212' to engage with the first and second device connectors 208, 208', respectively. Advantageously, in the event of vibration, shock, or other conditions that could cause the connection to disengage, the spring force generated by the U-shaped springs 276, 276' provides an engagement or "repositioning" action that biases the first and second cable connectors 212, 212' back into engagement with the first and second device connectors 208, 208'.

[0050] Refer again Figure 6 In some examples, connector bracket 228 includes one or more lead-in features configured to align the cable connector for proper positioning in the Y-axis direction when the harness 260 is engaged. Figure 6 In the example, connector bracket 228 includes an introduction member in the form of a first ramp 288 adjacent to the first chamfer 268. The guiding edge of ramp 288 extends toward the body 232 in the negative Z-axis direction. In this way, ramp 288 is configured to engage with the second portion 264 of the first cable connector 212 when the cable harness 260 moves to contact the first cable connector 212, and to center the connector in the positive Y-axis direction as the cable harness moves toward the body 232 in the negative Z-axis direction. This facilitates easier installation of connector bracket 228. A similar introduction member in the form of a second ramp 288' is located near the second chamfer 268' and serves to align the second cable connector 212' in a similar manner.

[0051] Connector bracket 228 may include other components configured to aid in assembly. For example, connector bracket 228 may include one or more apertures configured to provide visibility through at least a portion of the connector bracket. Figure 3As illustrated in the example, connector bracket 228 includes an aperture 292 in body 232 that is configured to provide visibility through a portion of the body. For example, when connector bracket 228 is attached to video board assembly 200, aperture 292 is positioned on body 232 to align with mark 294 on video board assembly. In this way, mark 294 is visible during the installation of connector bracket 222.

[0052] Mark 294 can be a number or any other suitable type of indicator. Mark 294 can correspond to the identifier of the first device connector 208. Figure 3 In the example, mark 294 is the number "02" visible through aperture 292. In this example, the first cable connector 212 includes a corresponding mark 296 for the number "02". The corresponding mark 296 is visible in the space between the harness 260 and the body 232 of the connector bracket 228. Mark 294 can be compared with the corresponding mark 296 to verify that the correct first cable connector 212 is attached to the first device connector 208.

[0053] Now for reference Figure 9 A flowchart depicting an example method 900 for securing one or more cables to an electronic device is provided. Refer to the above description and... Figure 1-8 The materials and components shown are used to provide the following description of method 900. It will be understood that method 900 can also be performed in other contexts using other suitable materials and components.

[0054] In method 904, method 900 includes providing a connector holder. The connector holder includes a body and a wire harness, the body being configured to extend over a first portion of a cable connector attached to one or more cables, the wire harness being configured to engage a second portion of the cable connector. The connector holder also includes one or more biasing members linking the body to the wire harness. The one or more biasing members are configured to bias the wire harness against the second portion of the cable connector. In some examples, the connector holder is provided after one or more cables have been arranged within the device.

[0055] At 912, method 900 includes engaging a cable connector with a device connector of an electronic device. At 916, method 900 includes removing a wire harness from the body of a connector holder in the positive Z direction. At 920, method 900 may include using an expander tool, such as a shim, expander, or reverse clamp, to remove the wire harness from the body of the connector holder in the positive Z direction.

[0056] At 924, method 900 includes attaching a connector bracket to an electronic device. At 928, method 900 may include attaching the body of the connector bracket to the electronic device using fasteners and / or adhesives. At 932, method 900 includes releasing a wire harness to engage a second portion of the cable connector and biasing the wire harness toward the body in the negative Z direction. In an example where an expander tool is used to remove the wire harness from the body of the connector bracket, releasing the wire harness may include removing the expander tool. In this way, the wire harness can be configured to apply a static load in the negative Z direction to the cable connector. At 936, method 900 may include a wire harness including one or more introduction members that engage the one or more introduction members with the second portion of the cable connector to align the cable connector in the Y direction perpendicular to the Z direction.

[0057] The following paragraphs provide additional support for the claims of this application. One aspect provides a connector holder configured to stabilize a cable connector, the connector holder comprising: a body configured to operably extend over a first portion of the cable connector; a wire harness configured to operably engage a second portion of the cable connector; and a biasing member linking the body to the wire harness, the biasing member being configured to operably bias the wire harness against the second portion of the cable connector.

[0058] As a supplement or alternative, the connector bracket may include the body including one or more openings configured to receive fasteners for attaching the body to an electronic device. As a supplement or alternative, the connector bracket may include an adhesive that operatively attaches the body of the connector bracket to one or more of the cable connector's first portion and the electronic device. As a supplement or alternative, the connector bracket may include a wire harness including a mating surface configured to operatively engage a corner of a second portion of the cable connector.

[0059] As a supplement or alternative, the connector holder may include a first cable connector, and the body is configured to operably extend over the first and second cable connectors. As a supplement or alternative, the connector holder may include a wire harness including a first engagement surface and a second engagement surface, the first engagement surface being configured to operably engage the first cable connector, and the second engagement surface being configured to operably engage the second cable connector; and wherein the first and second engagement surfaces are positioned on opposite sides of the connector holder. As a supplement or alternative, the connector holder may include a rib positioned between the first and second engagement surfaces, the rib being configured to operably engage the first and second cable connectors.

[0060] As a supplement or alternative, the connector bracket may include a biasing member comprising a spring. As a supplement or alternative, the connector bracket may include a one-piece structure. As a supplement or alternative, the connector bracket may include a biasing member comprising two springs positioned on opposite sides of the connector bracket. As a supplement or alternative, the connector bracket may include each of the two springs being a U-shaped spring configured to bend in the XZ plane when compressed or stretched in the Z direction.

[0061] As a supplement or alternative, the connector bracket may include a body spaced apart from the wire harness in the Z direction, and a biasing member configured to bias the wire harness against a second portion of the cable connector in the Z direction. Alternatively, the connector bracket may include a body spaced apart from the wire harness in the Z direction, and the wire harness including one or more introduction members configured to engage the second portion of the cable connector to align the cable connector in the Y direction perpendicular to the Z direction.

[0062] As a supplement or alternative, the connector holder may include one or more tool engagement components. As a supplement or alternative, the connector holder may include a body defining one or more apertures configured to provide visibility through at least a portion of the connector holder.

[0063] On the other hand, a method for securing one or more cables to an electronic device is provided, the method comprising: providing a connector bracket including: a body configured to operably extend over a first portion of a cable connector attached to the one or more cables; a wire harness configured to operably engage a second portion of the cable connector; and a biasing member linking the body to the wire harness, the biasing member being configured to operably bias the wire harness against the second portion of the cable connector, engaging the cable connector with a device connector of the electronic device; removing the wire harness from the body of the connector bracket in a positive Z direction; attaching the connector bracket to the electronic device; and releasing the wire harness to engage the second portion of the cable connector and biasing the wire harness toward the body in a negative Z direction.

[0064] As a supplement or alternative, the method may include attaching the connector bracket to the electronic device, wherein attaching the body of the connector bracket to the electronic device using fasteners and / or adhesives. As a supplement or alternative, the method may include a wire harness comprising one or more introduction members, the method further comprising engaging the one or more introduction members with a second portion of a cable connector to align the cable connector in a Y direction perpendicular to the Z direction. As a supplement or alternative, the method may include removing the wire harness from the body of the connector bracket, wherein removing the wire harness from the body of the connector bracket using an expander tool to remove the wire harness from the body of the connector bracket in the positive Z direction.

[0065] Another aspect provides an electronic device, including: a circuit board;

[0066] Device connectors that are electronically coupled to the circuit board;

[0067] A cable connector that is releasably coupled to the device connector; and

[0068] A connector bracket for attachment to an electronic device, the connector bracket comprising: a body extending over a first portion of the cable connector;

[0069] The wire harness, which engages the second part of the cable connector; and

[0070] The body is linked to a biasing member of the wire harness, which biases the wire harness against the second portion of the cable connector.

[0071] It should be understood that the configurations and / or methods described herein are exemplary in nature, and these specific embodiments or examples should not be considered limiting, as many variations are possible. The specific routines or methods described herein may represent one or more of any number of strategies. Thus, the various actions explained and / or described may be performed in the explained and / or described order, in a different order, in parallel, or omitted. Similarly, the order of the processes described above may be changed.

[0072] The subject matter of this disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various processes, systems and configurations disclosed herein, as well as other features, functions, actions and / or attributes, and any and all their equivalents.

Claims

1. A connector holder for securing one or more cables to an electronic device, the connector holder being configured to stabilize a cable connector, the connector holder comprising: A body configured to extend operably over a first portion of the cable connector, and the body configured to be attached to the electronic device; A wire harness configured to operably engage a second portion of the cable connector; as well as A biasing member linking the body to the wire harness, the biasing member including a spring configured to operatively bias the wire harness against the second portion of the cable connector. The main body and the wiring harness are spaced apart along the longitudinal axis of the bracket in a direction defined as the z-direction, and the biasing member is configured to bias the second portion of the cable connector toward the main body of the connector bracket in the z-direction. The cable connector is a first cable connector, and the body is configured to extend operably over the first cable connector and the second cable connector; The wire harness includes a first engagement surface and a second engagement surface, the first engagement surface being configured to operably engage the first cable connector, and the second engagement surface being configured to operably engage the second cable connector; and The first mating surface and the second mating surface are positioned on opposite sides of the connector bracket.

2. The connector bracket according to claim 1, characterized in that, The body includes one or more openings configured to receive fasteners for attaching the body to an electronic device.

3. The connector bracket according to claim 1, characterized in that, The body also includes an adhesive, wherein the adhesive is configured to attach the body of the connector bracket to the electronic device.

4. The connector bracket according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The mating surface is configured to operably engage the corner of the second portion of the cable connector.

5. The connector bracket according to claim 1, characterized in that, The harness also includes a rib positioned between the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface, the rib being configured to operably engage the first cable connector and the second cable connector.

6. The connector bracket according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector bracket has an integral structure.

7. The connector bracket according to claim 1, characterized in that, The biasing member includes two springs positioned on opposite sides of the connector bracket.

8. The connector bracket according to claim 7, characterized in that, Each of the two springs is a U-shaped spring, configured to bend in the XZ plane when compressed or stretched in the Z direction. Two springs on opposite sides of the connector are arranged spaced apart along the transverse axis of the bracket in a direction defined as the X direction.

9. The connector bracket according to claim 1, characterized in that, The body is spaced apart from the wire harness in the Z direction, and the wire harness includes one or more introduction members configured to engage the second portion of the cable connector to align the cable connector in the Y direction perpendicular to the Z direction.

10. The connector bracket according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes one or more tool engagement components.

11. The connector bracket according to claim 1, characterized in that, The body defines one or more apertures configured to provide visibility through at least a portion of the connector bracket.

12. A method for securing one or more cables to an electronic device, the method comprising: A connector bracket according to claim 1 is provided, the connector bracket comprising: The body is configured to extend operably over a first portion of a cable connector attached to one or more cables; A wire harness configured to operably engage a second portion of the cable connector; and The body is linked to a biasing member of the wire harness, the biasing member being configured to operatively bias the wire harness against the second portion of the cable connector; The cable connector is then engaged with the device connector of the electronic device. Remove the wire harness from the body of the connector bracket along the positive Z direction; Attach the connector bracket to the electronic device; and Release the wire harness to engage the second portion of the cable connector, and bias the wire harness toward the body in the negative Z direction.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, Attaching the connector bracket to the electronic device includes attaching the body of the connector bracket to the electronic device using fasteners and / or adhesives.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The harness includes one or more entry components, and the method further includes engaging the one or more entry components with a second portion of the cable connector to align the cable connector in a Y direction perpendicular to the Z direction.

15. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, Removing the wire harness from the body of the connector bracket includes using an expander tool to remove the wire harness from the body of the connector bracket in the positive Z direction.

16. An electronic device comprising: Circuit board; Device connectors that are electronically coupled to the circuit board; A cable connector that can be releasably coupled to the device connector; as well as The connector bracket of claim 1, attached to the electronic device, the connector bracket comprising: The main body extends on the first portion of the cable connector; A wire harness that engages with the second portion of the cable connector; as well as The body is linked to a biasing member of the wire harness, which biases the wire harness against the second portion of the cable connector.

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