High-Density Cable Connector Locking for Vibration-Stable PCB Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors face challenges in connecting spaced printed circuit boards and ensuring reliable, high-speed, high-density interconnections in electronic systems, particularly in harsh environments like automobiles, where vibrations and movements are common.
Innovation Solution
The development of cable connectors with a housing, conducting assembly, and connector position assurance (CPA) devices that include movable members and locking mechanisms to secure and release connections, along with terminal position assurance (TPA) devices for flexible flat cables, ensuring stable and efficient interconnections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connectors are mounted on printed circuit boards spaced far apart, then cable connections enable interconnection between assemblies, but connection reliability deteriorates due to vibrations and movements in harsh environments like automobiles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic locking mechanism with movable locking members that can transition between locked and unlocked states. The locking members are designed to engage with corresponding features on the mating connector, creating a mechanically robust connection that resists vibrations and movements. The spring-loaded or elastic elements provide continuous contact force to maintain connection integrity under dynamic conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into distinct functional segments including housing, conducting assembly, locking members, and position assurance devices. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the locking members handle mechanical engagement, the position assurance devices ensure proper alignment, and the housing provides structural support, collectively enhancing connection reliability in harsh environments.
2Quantity of substance
If high-density interconnections are implemented, then more signals can be transmitted between assemblies, but device complexity increases due to multiple locking mechanisms and components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components. The locking members serve both as mechanical fasteners and as alignment guides. The position assurance devices integrate with the housing structure rather than being separate components. The conducting assembly incorporates both signal pathways and structural support elements, reducing overall component count while maintaining high signal density.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design employs universal features that perform multiple functions. The housing structure provides both mechanical support and guidance for insertion. The locking members simultaneously secure the connection and prevent lateral displacement. The position assurance devices ensure proper alignment while also serving as engagement guides, reducing the need for separate alignment mechanisms.
3Productivity
If rapid assembly and disassembly are enabled, then manufacturing efficiency improves, but connection stability may be compromised by simplified locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates pre-configured alignment features and guide elements that automatically position the mating connectors correctly during insertion. The locking members are pre-loaded with spring force or elastic energy, ready to engage immediately upon connection. The position assurance devices are positioned to automatically engage with corresponding features, eliminating the need for manual alignment or complex locking sequences, thus enabling rapid assembly without compromising stability.
Data Source
AI summary
Reliable high-speed, high-density cable connector. The cable connector comprises a housing and a conducting assembly removably connected to the housing. The conducting assembly includes at least one flexible flat cable. A terminal position assurance (TPA) device is disposed from a top of the housing and configured to secure the conducting assembly to the housing in a locked state and allow the removal of the conducting assembly in an unlocked state. A connector position assurance (CPA) device is disposed from a side of the housing and configured to secure to a mating component. Such techniques can enable reliable high-speed, high-density connectors with replaceable cables, which can be used in harsh environments such as one presented by an automobile.