Cable Connector Assembly With Movable Protective Cover

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Cable connector assemblies with multiple plug connectors often leave unused connectors exposed, leading to potential damage.

Innovation Solution

A cable connector assembly featuring a rotatable or slidable cover that protects unused plug connectors by covering them when not in use, ensuring they are not damaged.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple plug connectors are provided at the second cable end for multi-functionality, then the adaptability and versatility of the cable connector assembly is improved, but the unused plug connectors are exposed to air which may cause damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-functionalityVSAvoidexposure damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is designed to be movable relative to the second cable end, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. When a plug connector is not in use, the cover moves to protect it; when a plug connector needs to be used, the cover moves away to allow access. This dynamic mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing protection only when needed, maintaining versatility while preventing damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a protective cover is added to cover unused plug connectors, then the protection against damage is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against damageVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protective cover is integrated with the second cable end structure, merging the protection function into the existing connector assembly. The cover and the cable end form a unified structure where the cover is positioned to naturally protect the plug connectors without requiring separate protective devices or complex mounting mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cover is designed to be movable relative to the second cable end, allowing automatic exposure and coverage of plug connectors based on usage needs. The structure enables the cover to serve itself by moving into protective position when plug connectors are not in use and moving away when they need to be accessed, eliminating the need for external control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9385464B2Cable connector assembly having several plug connectors
Publication Date: 2016.07.05 FOXCONN INTERCONNECT TECHNOLOGY LTD
  • US9385464B2 patent drawing
  • US9385464B2 patent drawing
  • US9385464B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A cable connector assembly (100, 100′) includes a first cable end (1, 1′), a second cable end (2, 2′), and a cable (3, 3′) connecting between the first cable end and the second cable end. The first cable end has a first insulative body (11, 11′) and a first connecting tongue (12, 12′) extending beyond the first insulative body. The second cable end has a second insulative body (211, 211′), a third insulative body (212, 212′) extending from the second insulative body, a second connecting tongue (23, 23′) extending beyond the second insulative body, and a third connecting tongue (24, 24′) extending beyond the third insulative body. The cable connector assembly has a cover (25, 25′) covering the second cable end along a first direction. The cover is moveable with respect to the second cable end in a second, perpendicular direction to cover one of the two connecting tongues.