Cable Connector Light Guide with Columnar Emission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable connector assemblies lack an improved light structure that effectively directs and secures light emission for user visibility, with traditional designs often relying on single-point or ring-type light guides that are cumbersome and difficult to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A cable connector assembly featuring a columnar light emitting portion with two opposite ends, a light guide member extending from the printed circuit board, and a unique outer and inner cover structure that seals and directs light emission to the outer side of the insulative housing, providing enhanced visibility and ease of manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional single-point or ring-type light guides are used, then light emission is achieved, but the structure becomes cumbersome and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide member is segmented into a columnar light emitting portion with two opposite ends, dividing the light guidance function into multiple discrete emission points. This segmentation simplifies the overall structure compared to complex ring-type guides while maintaining effective light directionality and visibility
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a single central light guide or ring structure, the invention inverts the approach by using a columnar structure with light emission at opposite ends. This inverted configuration eliminates the need for complex internal light distribution paths, making the structure simpler and easier to manufacture
2Illumination intensity
If light is emitted from the PCB, then illumination is provided, but light directionality and visibility for users is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide member extends in a dimension perpendicular to the PCB surface, with the columnar light emitting portion projecting outward. This dimensional extension directs light toward the user's line of sight, significantly improving visibility compared to planar light emission from the PCB
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide member acts as an intermediary between the light member on the PCB and the external environment. It captures light from the light member and redirects it through the columnar emitting portion, enhancing light directionality and making the illumination more visible to users
3Reliability
If the light guide member is simply mounted on the PCB, then assembly is simple, but light emission directionality and security are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide member is nested within the insulative housing structure, with the outer cover sealing an end of the insulative housing and the inner cover positioning the light guide member. This nested arrangement secures the light guide member in a precise position, ensuring proper light emission directionality while maintaining a compact integrated structure
Solution Approach 2:
The outer cover and inner cover provide localized structural support and positioning specifically for the light guide member and light emitting portion. This localized structural enhancement ensures reliable light guidance without adding complexity to the entire assembly, as only specific regions require enhanced structure
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 provides improved light emission directionality and visibility with two-point light guidance, enhancing user experience while simplifying the assembly process through secure integration of the light guide member by the outer and inner covers.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide member including a light emitting portion and a light transmission portion extending from the light emitting portion along a direction away from the PCB, the light emitting portion being columnar and having two opposite ends for emitting light from the light member to an outer side of the insulative housing
Data Source
AI summary
A cable connector assembly (100) includes a cable (300) and a connector (200) connected with the cable. The connector includes an insulative housing (1) defining a receiving room (10), a printed circuit board (2) received in the insulative housing, a mating member (3) mounted on the insulative housing and electrically connected with the printed circuit board, a light member (4) mounted on the printed circuit board, a light guide member (5) for guiding the light emitting from the light member to an outer side of the insulative housing, and an outer cover (9) sealing an end of the insulative housing. The light guide member includes a light emitting portion (51) and a light transmission portion (54). The light emitting portion has a column shape having two opposite ends, the light emitted to an outer side of the insulative housing through the two ends of the light emitting portion.