Bi-Directional Connector Header for Flexible Mating Orientation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors are typically directional and require costly redesigns and retooling to change their orientation, limiting flexibility and configurability in system packaging.
Innovation Solution
An electrical header with a plug end featuring asymmetric keying features that allows mating with connectors in two distinct orientations, enabling the same header to accommodate multiple connector types without needing costly device-side alterations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a directional mating connector is used, then the connector provides a fixed orientation for wiring, but the connector cannot be rotated or reconfigured to different orientations without costly redesigns
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs asymmetric keying features including a cam follower on one sidewall and a cam slot on the mating connector, along with unevenly positioned locking features. This asymmetric design enables the connector to be installed in multiple orientations (0 degrees or 180 degrees) while preventing installation in incorrect orientations, thereby providing orientation flexibility without requiring redesign for different configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The connector body is designed with a symmetric overall structure that allows it to serve multiple functions and accommodate different wiring orientations. The universal design enables the same connector to be used in various orientations (front-to-back, left-to-right) without requiring different connector types or device-side redesigns, thus improving adaptability while maintaining simplicity
2Ease of operation
If the connector orientation needs to be changed for system packaging reasons, then wiring paths can be optimized, but costly device-side alterations and retooling are required
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates a dynamic locking mechanism with cam followers and cam slots that allow the connector to be installed and locked in multiple orientations. This dynamic design enables orientation changes without requiring device-side alterations or retooling, as the same connector can be installed in different orientations by simply rotating it before insertion, thereby easing wiring path configuration while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
3Adaptability or versatility
If a right-angle or 90-degree mating connector is used, then the connector provides a specific extension direction for wiring, but the extension direction is limited to the orientation defined by the header
Solution Approach 1:
The connector uses asymmetric keying features including a cam follower positioned on one sidewall and a corresponding cam slot on the mating connector, along with asymmetric locking features. This asymmetric design enables the connector to accommodate wire paths in multiple orientations (0 degrees or 180 degrees) while preventing incorrect installations, thereby providing wire path orientation flexibility without requiring header rotation or device-side modifications
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical header for use in an electrical connector assembly includes a body for mounting to an object and having an opening formed therethrough for receiving an electrical terminal. The body further defines a plug on a first side thereof for engaging with a mating electrical connector of the assembly. The plug includes a pair of first opposing sidewalls extending from the body at a first height and defining a locking feature for engaging with a corresponding locking feature of the mating connector, and a pair of second opposing sidewalls extending from the body at a second height, less than the first height. The first and second pairs of opposing sidewalls are adapted to mate with a first mating connector oriented in a first direction, and mate with a second mating connector oriented in a second direction distinct from the first direction.