Cable Connector Strain Relief Member Soldered to Circuit Board

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cable connector assemblies for power transmission face challenges in achieving reliable strain relief and signal integrity, particularly in applications where conventional connecting methods are not suitable.

Innovation Solution

A cable connector assembly with an insulative housing, conductive terminals, a circuit board, a strain relief member, and a cable with a metal braiding layer, where the strain relief member is soldered to the circuit board and the cable's metal braiding layer, providing improved mechanical and electrical connections while incorporating a status indicator system using LEDs and a light pipe for visual status indication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional connecting methods are used, then the structure is simple, but the strain relief reliability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestrain relief reliabilityVSAvoidconnector structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The strain relief function is segmented into a separate strain relief member that is distinct from the housing and cable assembly. This member includes a strain relief hole and positioning structures that can be independently manufactured and then assembled, allowing for specialized strain relief functionality without complicating the overall connector design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The strain relief member acts as an intermediary component between the cable and the housing. It provides a dedicated interface for strain relief through the strain relief hole and positioning structures, mediating the mechanical connection and improving reliability without requiring the housing itself to be more complex.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a separate strain relief component is added, then the strain relief reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the strain relief function into a separate member, each component can be optimized for its specific function and manufactured using the most cost-effective method for that particular component, rather than requiring a complex integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The strain relief member is designed to work with standard cable assemblies and housing types, making it a universal component that can be used across different connector configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for custom-designed components and lowers overall manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 achieves enhanced strain relief and reliable connections with a simple, cost-effective structure, while the status indicator system provides visual feedback on the connector's normal operation, ensuring improved signal integrity and user feedback.

Implementation Method 1

at least one jointing portion of the strain relief member is soldered onto one of the conductive pads of the circuit board, the inner conductor passes through the through hole to be soldered with the circuit board, the metal braiding layer is solder onto the at least one jointing portion of the strain relief member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

a metal braiding layer surrounding the inner conductor, the metal braiding layer is solder onto the at least one jointing portion of the strain relief member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic Shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentUS7306479B1Cable connector assembly with strain relief member
Publication Date: 2007.12.11 APPLE INC
  • US7306479B1 patent drawing
  • US7306479B1 patent drawing
  • US7306479B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A cable connector assembly (100) comprises an insulative housing (2) defining a plurality of receiving passages (23) extending therethrough, a plurality of terminals (3) respectively received in the receiving passages (23), a circuit board (4) assembled to the insulative housing (2) and comprising a plurality of conductive pads soldering with said a plurality of terminals (3), a cable (6) electrically connecting with the circuit board (4) and comprising at least an inner conductor (60), a metal braiding layer (61) surrounding the inner conductor (60), a rear cover (7) assembled to the housing (2) to enclose rear portion of the housing, the circuit board (4) and front end of the cable (6), a strain relief member (5) assembled with the cable (6) and the circuit board (4) and comprising a main portion (50), a through hole (51) located at the middle section thereof and at least one jointing portion (52) formed on thereof; and wherein at least one jointing portion (52) of the strain relief member (5) is soldered onto one of the conductive pads of the circuit board (4), the inner conductor (60) passes through the through hole (51) to be soldered with the circuit board (4), the metal braiding layer (61) is solder onto the at least one jointing portion (52) of the strain relief member (5).