Miniaturized Card Edge Connector Tabs for Misalignment Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Miniaturized electrical connectors are prone to damage due to improper orientation or misalignment during insertion, leading to excessive force on the receptacle connector, which can cause deformation or breakage, resulting in intermittent connections and loss of function.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of tabs on the electrically conductive shell that extend over the insulative member, distributing force over a larger area and guiding the plug connector into the receptacle, with recessed portions to receive the tabs, reducing pressure on susceptible areas and enhancing structural reinforcement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If miniaturized electrical connectors are used, then the connector size is reduced, but the connector becomes more prone to damage from improper orientation or misalignment during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The tapered portion of the tab is positioned in advance at the opening of the slot to guide the plug connector into correct orientation before insertion occurs, preventing misalignment damage
Solution Approach 2:
The tab extends beyond the insulative member to provide cushioning protection during insertion, absorbing misalignment forces before they reach the fragile contacts
2Ease of operation
If the plug connector is inserted with improper orientation or misalignment, then insertion force is applied, but excessive force causes deformation or breakage of the receptacle connector
Solution Approach 1:
The tab with tapered portion provides preliminary anti-action by guiding correct insertion orientation before the plug connector is fully inserted, preventing excessive force application
Solution Approach 2:
The tab acts as an intermediary element between the plug connector and the insulative member, mediating the insertion force and distributing it over a larger area to prevent localized stress concentration
3Strength
If tabs are incorporated on the electrically conductive shell to distribute force, then the structural reinforcement is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tab is formed as an integral part of the electrically conductive shell, merging the shielding function and the guiding/protection function into a single component, thereby enhancing strength without proportionally increasing complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A receptacle connector with a metal housing encircling an insulative housing with a slot to receive a paddle card of a plug connector. The metal housing may have a tab engaging a wall of the insulative housing bounding the slot. The tab may be positioned such that, if a plug is improperly inserted into the receptacle, it presses against the tab. The tab may be configured to distribute force generated during an attempt to mate a misaligned plug away from thin wall portions of the insulative housing at an end of the slot. The tab may extend over a surface of the insulative housing beyond that thin wall portion and may be recessed into the housing.