Card Edge Connector Latching Structure Abrasion Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing card edge connectors suffer from abrasion issues due to the sharp edges of protrusions used for latching, which can lead to improper detachment and increased manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
A card edge connector design featuring a pivotally mounted ejector with holding portions that have a sleek, curved front edge and a wedge-like shape, reducing abrasion and facilitating smooth locking and unlocking while being easier to manufacture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a protrusion with a sharp front edge is used for latching, then the latching structure can be simple in design, but abrasion is produced during latching operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by replacing the sharp front edge of the protrusion with a rounded or curved front edge. This modification eliminates the concentration of stress at sharp corners, thereby reducing abrasion during latching operation while maintaining the structural simplicity of the design. The curved surface allows for smoother engagement and reduced wear between mating parts.
2Reliability
If a protrusion with a sharp front edge is used for latching, then the latching mechanism can engage firmly, but the protrusion may detach improperly under external force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by designing the ejector as a rotatable component that can transition between different states. The ejector rotates around the tower-shaped portion to engage or disengage the latching mechanism, providing controlled movement that ensures reliable engagement while allowing proper detachment when needed. This dynamic mechanism replaces static sharp-edged protrusions with a movable, controllable system.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a sleek starting section is added to the front edge of the holding portion, then abrasion is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sleek starting section introduces a curved or rounded transition zone at the front edge of the holding portion. This curved geometry reduces abrasion by distributing contact stresses over a larger area and eliminating stress concentrations. While curvature may slightly increase manufacturing complexity compared to sharp edges, it remains compatible with standard molding and machining processes, providing a practical balance between performance and manufacturability.
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 design effectively minimizes abrasion and enhances the locking mechanism's reliability, ensuring secure card module attachment and detachment without excessive wear, while simplifying the manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
The ejector rotates outward around the tower-shaped portion when an external force is working on the operating head
Implementation Method 2
The first portion has a front edge with a sleek starting section... Therefore, an abrasion will be produced when the protrusion is latched to the tower-shaped portion
Data Source
AI summary
A card edge connector includes an insulative housing along a longitudinal direction, a number of terminals fixed in the insulative housing and an ejector pivotally mounted to the insulative housing. The insulative housing has two side walls and a number of tower-shaped portions protruding upwardly from the side walls. The insulative housing has a central slot between two side walls. The tower-shaped portion has a mounting slot. The tower-shaped portion defines a holding recess communicated to the mounting slot. The ejector has a main portion and a number of holding portions protruding from two opposite sides of the main portion. The holding portion has a first portion and a second portion extending from the first portion. The first portion is closer to the central slot than the second portion. The first portion has a front edge with a sleek section.