Compact Cable Connector Assembly with Vertical Front I/O Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable connector assemblies for computers with front I/O connectors are complex to assemble and costly due to the use of retainers, and they do not efficiently utilize the limited space available, making it inconvenient for frequent connector use.
Innovation Solution
A cable connector assembly with an insulative housing comprising a lower and upper housing, where connectors are arranged in a compact manner with USB connectors and Audio jacks oriented upright and perpendicular to each other, surrounded by a metallic shell, allowing for a simple structure and efficient use of space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If connectors are arranged at the rear side of the computer, then the connectors are protected from being hit and departed, but consumers must turn the computer to front for inserting the mating connector which is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions connectors from a horizontal rear-side arrangement to a vertical front-side arrangement. The housing is designed with connectors extending in the vertical direction, allowing users to access and insert connectors from the front without turning the computer, while the vertical orientation provides structural protection against lateral impacts.
2Ease of operation
If multiple USB connectors and Audio jacks are arranged in the front I/O connector, then frequent connector use is enabled, but the computer has limited width and height to receive the front I/O connector
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension to arrange multiple connectors (USB connectors and Audio jacks) stacked along the vertical direction. This vertical stacking allows multiple connectors to be accommodated within a compact horizontal footprint, enabling frequent connector usage while minimizing the width and height requirements of the front I/O connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure is designed with nested receiving spaces where smaller connectors are positioned within the overall housing envelope. The upper and lower housings are engaged to form a compact assembly that nests multiple connectors efficiently, maximizing space utilization without increasing the external dimensions of the front I/O connector.
3Manufacturing precision
If a retainer is disposed in the housing to space apart USB connectors and Audio jacks, then proper distance between connectors is achieved, but the assembling process becomes more complicated and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the spacing function directly into the housing structure itself. The upper and lower housings are designed with built-in spacing features and engagement structures that automatically maintain proper distances between connectors during assembly. This eliminates the need for separate retainers, simplifying the assembling process and reducing manufacturing costs while ensuring precise connector positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable connector assembly (100) comprises: an insulative housing (1); a number of first and second types of connectors (21, 22) disposed in the insulative housing. Each of the first type connectors (21) is arranged in an upstanding manner. Two second type of connectors (22) are arranged along a vertical direction and perpendicular to each other to form two mating ports (26) for mating with two complementary connectors simultaneously. A metallic shell (4) surrounds and engages the insulative housing. And a number of cables (3) extend into the insulative housing and electrically connect with the first and second types of connectors.