Coaxial Plug Connector Latching Structure for Stable Signal Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing micro-miniature coaxial connectors experience instantaneous power or signal interruptions due to gaps between the C-shaped latching ring and conductive body, leading to instability and elastic fatigue, limiting their application in environments requiring continuous current transfer, such as sound source equipment or automotive rearview mirror fatigue detection.

Innovation Solution

An electrical connection device with a plug connector design featuring a conductive body, outer conductor, and insulative body, where the outer conductor has a rear end, front latching portions, and elastic pieces with stopping surfaces, eliminating gaps between components and enhancing elasticity to prevent deformation during repeated insertions and withdrawals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a C-shaped latching ring is used to latch the connector, then the connector can be easily assembled and disassembled, but gaps between the latching ring and conductive body cause instantaneous interruption of power or signal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assembly and disassemblyVSAvoidstability of power or signal transfer
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The latching ring and conductive body are merged into a single integrated structure, eliminating the gap between them. The latching portions are formed as integral parts of the conductive body, ensuring continuous electrical contact while maintaining the latching function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive body is segmented to include multiple latching portions that can independently engage with the mating connector. This segmentation allows the latching function to be distributed across multiple contact points, improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If the C-shaped latching ring is made short for compact design, then the connector size is reduced, but elasticity is insufficient causing elastic fatigue during repeated insertions and withdrawals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector sizeVSAvoidresistance to elastic fatigue
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connector uses composite material construction with the outer conductor and conductive body made from materials optimized for both compactness and elastic durability. The material composition provides sufficient elasticity for repeated operations while maintaining a compact form factor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The latching structure incorporates dynamic elements that allow the latching portions to flex and adapt during insertion and withdrawal. The elastic pieces are designed with optimal geometry to provide necessary compliance without requiring excessive length, reducing elastic fatigue while maintaining compact size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If a new mating connector is redesigned to match the modified plug connector, then the latching structure can be moved to the front end, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelatching structure performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The plug connector design maintains compatibility with existing MMCX specification mating connectors. The latching portions are configured to engage with standard MMCX receptacles, allowing the improved latching performance to be achieved without requiring redesigned mating connectors, thus avoiding increased manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 ensures stable transfer of current or signals by eliminating gaps between the outer conductor and conductive body, preventing instantaneous interruptions and allowing the connector to function reliably in demanding applications without requiring modifications to existing mating connectors, thus reducing manufacturing costs.

Implementation Method 1

the elastic piece is positioned between the rear end and the front latching portion and connects the front latching portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4376227A1Electrical connection device
Publication Date: 2024.05.29 MOLEX INC
  • EP4376227A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4376227A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4376227A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electrical connection device includes a plug connector. The plug connector includes a conductive body, an outer conductor, an insulative body and a central terminal. The outer conductor has a rear end, a front latching portion and an elastic piece. The rear end electrically connects the conductive body, the front latching portion is opposite to the rear end and is positioned in front of the rear end, the elastic piece is positioned between the rear end and the front latching portion and connects the front latching portion. At least one of the conductive body and the outer conductor is formed with a stopping surface, a position of the stopping surface correspond to the elastic piece of the outer conductor and is close to the front latching portion. The insulative body is provided in the conductive body. The central terminal is provided in the insulative body. Therefore, stability of transferring of a current or a signal can be assured, so as to avoid instantaneous interruption of power or interruption of signal occurring.