Cable Header Connector With Perpendicular Cable Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed differential connectors face challenges in cable routing and bending, particularly in high-density applications with space constraints, where cables are prone to damage when bent sharply.
Innovation Solution
A cable header connector design that includes a support body with contact and cable channels, guiding cables to exit at predetermined angles, reducing the risk of damage by controlling bending and organizing cables to minimize depth and prevent rear exit, using a header housing with support walls and contact modules for secure cable routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If cables are bent sharply to exit the connector, then cable routing space is reduced, but cable damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent directs cables to exit through the top and/or bottom surfaces of the support body rather than the rear, utilizing vertical dimensions to route cables away from the connector. This dimensional change allows cables to exit perpendicular to the contact channel axes, reducing the need for sharp bends while maintaining compact routing space.
2Ease of operation
If cables are routed through the rear of the connector, then cable exit is simplified, but space constraints are violated and cable damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of routing cables through the traditional rear exit of the connector, the patent inverts the cable exit direction to proceed through the top and/or bottom surfaces of the support body. This inversion allows cables to exit perpendicular to the contact channel axes, accommodating space constraints while maintaining organized routing through dedicated cable channels.
3Productivity
If multiple cables are routed in high density applications, then connectivity is improved, but cable routing difficulty and damage risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the support body into separate contact channels and cable channels, with each contact channel having an associated cable channel. This segmentation organizes multiple cables into distinct pathways, reducing routing complexity in high-density applications while maintaining effective connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cable channels as intermediary structures between the contact channels and the external environment. These cable channels serve as dedicated pathways that guide cables from the contact channels to the top and/or bottom surfaces, simplifying the routing of multiple cables in high-density configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable header connector includes a contact module having a support body and a plurality of cable assemblies held by the support body and arranged in a column. The cable assemblies each have a contact terminated to a cable and a ground shield coupled to and providing electrical shielding for the contact sub-assembly. The support body has contact channels extending along respective contact channel axes which are parallel to each other, and at least one cable channel intersecting the contact channels. The cables extend through the contact channels and through the at least one cable channel to an outside of the support body. The cables emerging from the support body at corresponding cable exits at respective angles to the contact channel axes.