Card Edge Connector Latching Metal Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing card edge connectors require external tools for unlocking, which can damage the latching structure, especially the wing portions, due to their design making it difficult to unlock manually.
Innovation Solution
A card edge connector with a latching structure featuring an insulative operating portion and a metal plate attached or embedded within, which resists external tool pressure and prevents damage, while also being aesthetically enhanced with a magnetic metal plate to attract tools for convenient unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the card edge connector is arranged side by side to save space, then space utilization is improved, but the wing portion becomes difficult to access manually and requires external tools which can damage it
Solution Approach 1:
The operating portion is segmented into two functional layers: the insulative wing portion for manual operation and the metal plate for tool-based operation. This segmentation allows the connector to serve both compact arrangements and tool-assisted unlocking needs effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal plate acts as an intermediary between the external tool and the latching mechanism. It receives the external force from the tool and transmits it to the locking portion, protecting the insulative wing portion from direct contact with potentially damaging tools.
2Ease of operation
If an external tool is used to press against the wing portion to unlock, then unlocking capability is improved, but the upper surface or structure of the wing portion becomes damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The metal plate serves as a protective intermediary that absorbs the mechanical stress from external tools. Its metal composition provides the necessary hardness and durability to withstand tool pressure without deforming or damaging the underlying insulative housing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating portion combines two different materials with complementary properties: insulative material for electrical isolation and structural integrity, and metal material for mechanical strength and tool resistance. This composite structure allows the operating portion to fulfill multiple functional requirements simultaneously.
3Reliability
If the operating portion is made of insulative material, then electrical isolation is improved, but structural strength to resist external tool pressure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The operating portion uses a composite structure combining insulative material and metal material. The insulative material provides electrical isolation between the operating portion and the locking portion, while the attached or embedded metal plate provides the necessary structural strength to resist external tool pressure without deforming.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating portion is divided into functional segments: the insulative base material for electrical isolation and the metal reinforcement for mechanical strength. This segmentation allows each material to perform its optimal function without compromising the other.
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 provides a robust and damage-resistant unlocking mechanism that maintains structural integrity and aesthetic appeal by embedding or attaching a metal plate to the operating surface, allowing for secure and tool-assisted unlocking without damaging the connector.
Implementation Method 1
a metal plate is attached upon the operation surface or embedded within the operation portion for resisting an external tool imposed thereon
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic metal plate to attract tools for convenient unlocking
Data Source
AI summary
A card edge connector includes an elongated insulative housing, a plurality of conductive terminals retained in the housing, and a latching structure. The housing defines a card receiving slot. The latching structure includes a locking portion and an operating portion. The operating portion defines an operating surface. The operating portion is made of insulative material, and a metal plate is attached to the operating surface. The metal plate can effectively improve the technical feeling of the card edge connector and protect the operating surface from being damaged by external tools.