Compact Electrical Connector With Internal Ejector-Lock Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical connectors require a 'keep out zone' for latches, limiting the ability to place them close to adjacent components, thereby hindering the miniaturization of electronic systems.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector design that eliminates the need for external latches by using an ejector and rotator mechanism, allowing vertical movement and rotation to release electronic cards without a keep out zone, combined with an elastic locking member for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electrical connectors use external latches for securing electronic cards, then reliable locking is achieved, but the keep out zone requirement increases the spacing between connectors and adjacent components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the latch function with the ejector mechanism by integrating the locking member into the tower structure. The locking member is positioned to engage with the electronic card within the same vertical space as the ejector, eliminating the need for separate external latches and the associated keep out zone. This integration allows the connector to maintain reliable locking while reducing the horizontal spacing required between connectors and adjacent components.
2Area of stationary object
If the ejector mechanism is designed with a rotator for vertical movement and rotation, then the keep out zone is eliminated, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ejector and rotator functions into a single integrated mechanism. The ejector includes a rotator component that performs both the vertical movement and rotation actions required for card release. By merging these functions into one mechanism rather than using separate components, the patent eliminates the keep out zone while minimizing the increase in overall mechanism complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ejector mechanism employs dynamic movement where the rotator component transitions from a horizontal position (for card engagement) to a vertical position (for card release) through rotational motion. This dynamic transformation allows a single mechanism to perform multiple functions (ejection and rotation) that would traditionally require separate static components, thereby reducing the keep out zone without excessive complexity increase.
3Area of stationary object
If locking members are integrated into the tower structure, then the keep out zone is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is integrated into the tower structure as a unified component. The tower and locking member form an integrated assembly where the locking member is positioned within the tower's vertical space, eliminating the need for separate external latch components. This integration reduces the keep out zone while the modular design of the locking member (with its specific geometric features for card engagement) allows for standardized manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member incorporates specific local geometric features (such as engagement surfaces and elastic portions) at precise locations within the tower structure. These localized features are designed to interact with corresponding features on the electronic card, providing reliable locking at specific points without requiring complex overall structure. This localized approach to locking simplifies manufacturing by focusing complexity only where needed for functional engagement.
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
Enables compact system design by reducing the spacing between connectors and adjacent devices, facilitating easier insertion and removal of electronic components while maintaining secure attachment.
Implementation Method 1
the rotator may comprise a first arm coupled to the ejector and a second arm coupled to the electronic card. The axis may be located at a joint of the first arm and the second arm.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector for use in a compact system. The connector includes a housing having a pair of towers and an elongated slot between the towers. Each tower has an ejector, a rotator, and a locking member disposed therein. The rotator has a first arm coupled to the ejector and a second arm extending into the slot for coupling to a mating component inserted into the slot. When the first arm is pushed down by the ejector, the second arm pushes up the mating component, causing the locking member to deform so as to release the mating component. When the second arm does not push the mating component, the locking member is in its rest state and locks the mating component in the slot; Such a configuration enables the connector to unmate with a mating component without latches that move outside a perimeter of the connector.