Angled Cable Connector Shell Design for Space Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable connector assemblies lack an improved shell design that efficiently integrates with the insulative housing and contacts, leading to space inefficiencies and complex manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A cable connector assembly featuring a shell with a front shell and back shell assembly, where the front shell includes a mating portion and a bending portion extending backwardly, aligned with the insulative housing's stepped portions and conductive wires, forming an angle with the mating portion when mated with the back shell, thereby optimizing space usage and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the shell uses a traditional straight design, then the structure is simple, but the space utilization is poor and cable routing is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The shell transitions from a straight linear design to an angled design, introducing a spatial dimension change. The bending portion forms a specific angle with the mating portion, optimizing the three-dimensional arrangement of components and improving space utilization within the connector assembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the shell is designed with multiple separate parts, then the assembly is more flexible, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The shell is divided into a front shell and a back shell that can be assembled together. The front shell includes the bending portion and mating portion, while the back shell completes the protective enclosure. This segmentation allows for flexible assembly while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through modular production.
3Ease of operation
If the bending portion is aligned with the cable, then the cable routing is optimized, but the angle formation with the mating portion increases structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The shell exhibits different geometric characteristics in different regions. The bending portion has a specific angle configuration optimized for cable alignment, while the mating portion maintains a standard rectangular form factor. This local differentiation optimizes cable routing without requiring the entire shell to be complex.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable connector assembly includes a connector and a cable. The connector includes a shell having a front shell and a back shell assembled to each other, an insulative housing, and a number of contacts. The front shell includes a mating portion and a bending portion backwardly extending from the mating portion. The insulative housing includes a body portion and a stepped portion extending backwardly from the body portion. The contact includes a tail portion exposed on the stepped portion. The cable includes a number of conductive wires connected with the tail portions of the contacts. The bending portion is mated with the back shell. The bending portion is aligned with the cable to form an angle with respect to the mating portion.