Cable Connector Retaining Member Gap Filling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cable connector assemblies have a poor bending capability due to gaps between the strain relief member and the cover, which affects their overall strength.

Innovation Solution

A cable connector assembly is designed with a retaining member made of a harder plastic material, positioned between the strain relief member and the cover, to enhance the assembly's strength. The assembly includes a mating member, a cable connected with the mating member, a strain relief member enclosing the cable and mating member, and a cover enclosing the retaining member, with the retaining member being made of a harder plastic material than the strain relief member.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a gap exists between the strain relief member and the cover, then the assembly structure is simpler, but the bending capability and strength are poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebending capabilityVSAvoidassembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A retaining member is introduced as an intermediary component between the strain relief member and the cover. This retaining member fills the gap and provides structural support, thereby improving the bending capability without significantly complicating the overall assembly structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining member is made of a second type of plastic material that is harder than the first type of plastic material used for the strain relief member. This composite material approach enhances the strength and bending capability of the assembly by combining materials with different properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If a retaining member made of harder plastic material is added, then the strength and bending capability are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly strengthVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining member serves as a mediator that fills the functional gap between the strain relief member and the cover. By positioning it in this intermediate location, it provides the necessary structural support and improves bending capability while maintaining a logical and organized assembly structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining member is strategically positioned only in the specific region where gap filling and structural support are needed, rather than uniformly reinforcing the entire assembly. This localized approach improves strength where necessary without unnecessarily increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS9520673B2Cable connector assembly and method of manufacturing the cable connector assembly

Publication Date: 2016.12.13 FOXCONN INTERCONNECT TECHNOLOGY LTD

AI summary

A cable connector assembly includes a mating member (1), a cable (300) connected with the mating member, a strain relief member (4) enclosing on the cable and the mating member, a cover (6) enclosing on the strain relief member, and a retaining member (5) formed between the strain relief member and the cover. The strain relief member is made of a first type of plastic material, and the retaining member is made of a second type of plastic material, the second type of plastic material being harder than the first type of plastic material.