High-Speed Cable Connector Strain Relief for Latch Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable connector systems are prone to disengagement due to external forces such as cable tension, shock, and vibration, leading to potential loss of signal continuity and unlocking of the latching mechanism.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of strain reliefs and extended outer walls in cable connectors to prevent unlocking and disengagement, using overmolds made of dielectric or conductive materials to secure cables and maintain connection integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cable connector structures are used, then the connector is simple in structure, but the connector is prone to disengagement and unlocking under external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning strain relief features and extended outer walls in the connector structure before assembly. The strain relief features are built into the housing to preemptively counteract cable tension, and the extended outer walls are designed in advance to prevent rotational movement and latch disengagement, eliminating the need for additional protective components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions into the existing connector structure. The housing is designed to simultaneously provide structural support, strain relief through integrated features, and rotational prevention through extended outer walls. This consolidation improves reliability without adding separate components, thus avoiding increased device complexity.
2Reliability
If cable tension is not addressed, then the connector structure remains simple, but cable disengagement and breakage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The strain relief features are built into the connector housing structure in advance, creating preemptive counteractions to cable tension before the cable is even installed. This preliminary structural design ensures cable retention without requiring additional active components or complex assembly steps.
3Reliability
If the latch mechanism is not protected, then the connector is simpler, but the latch can become unlocked under external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The extended outer walls are designed to preemptively prevent the harmful action of rotational movement that would cause latch disengagement. By extending the housing walls beyond the latch mechanism, the structure physically blocks the cable connector from rotating enough to disengage the latch, countering the effect of external forces before they can cause unlocking.
4Reliability
If shielding is not improved, then the connector structure is simpler, but electromagnetic interference affects signal transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges shielding functionality into the existing connector housing and cable assembly. The housing material or integrated shielding layers work together with the cable shielding to provide electromagnetic interference protection, eliminating the need for separate shielding components while maintaining signal transmission reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable connector includes a cable including a center conductor, a first housing, and an overmold attached to the cable and the first housing. The cable connector can include a second housing and the overmold can be attached to the second housing. Alternatively, a cable connector system includes a cable connector including a first latch, and a board connector including a second latch and a shield, wherein the shield is staked to a substrate, and a body of the cable connector includes an outer wall that extends over the shield when the cable connector is mated to the board connector.