Compact Receptacle Connector Structure for Stable Mating Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional receptacle connectors in electronic devices face issues with over-insertion and poor electrical contact, leading to intermittent connections and terminal assembly dislocation, and occupy more space than desired in compact devices.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a main shell with a terminal assembly held by a housing, an outer shell with complementary features to restrain relative movements, and inner and outer shells welded to the main shell, along with adhesive seals for improved adhesion and sealing, reducing the risk of misalignment and environmental contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional receptacle connectors are used, then electrical connection is achieved, but misalignment and intermittent connections occur due to over-insertion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidinsertion control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by designing the outer shell with complementary features (protrusions and recesses) that preemptively prevent over-insertion and misalignment before they can cause connection failures. The structural constraints are built into the connector design itself, creating inherent protection against operational errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action through the welded joint between the outer shell and terminal assembly, which pre-establishes precise alignment and secure positioning before the connector is even inserted into the mating device. This preliminary structural preparation ensures reliable electrical contact from the first insertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If conventional receptacle connectors are used, then connection is achieved, but terminal assembly dislocation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterminal assembly positioningVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the outer shell and terminal assembly into a unified structural unit through welding, creating an integrated component that prevents relative movement and dislocation. This merging of previously separate parts into a single rigid structure eliminates the risk of terminal assembly dislocation during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Volume of moving object

If compact design is implemented, then space is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector sizeVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs the nested doll principle by placing the terminal assembly inside the outer shell, with the inner components nested within the outer protective structure. This nesting approach achieves compact dimensions while maintaining clear structural hierarchy that facilitates manufacturing and assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If sealing is improved, then waterproof performance is enhanced, but adhesion strength may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater resistanceVSAvoidseal adhesion

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical sealing methods with adhesive bonding to achieve waterproof sealing. The adhesive material provides both the sealing function to block water ingress and the necessary adhesion strength to maintain the seal under various conditions, eliminating the trade-off between sealing and bonding strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This configuration enhances the reliability and durability of the receptacle connectors by preventing misalignment and ensuring a secure, waterproof seal, while reducing the number of components and simplifying manufacturing, thus improving contact stability and safety performance.

Implementation Method 1

a weld joining the second shell to the first shell

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Implementation Method 2

adhesive seals for improved adhesion and sealing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS20240413565A1Reliable compact receptacle connector

Publication Date: 2024.12.12 AMPHENOL EAST ASIA ELECTRONICS TECH (SHENZHEN) CO LTD

AI summary

A reliable, compact receptacle connector including a main shell enclosing a terminal assembly having terminals held by a housing. The housing has a tongue holding terminal mating ends and a rear portion disposed outside the main shell. An outer shell is disposed outside the main shell. The outer shell and the rear portion of the housing have complementary features engaging each other to restrain relative movements in a mating direction. An inner shell conforming to a portion of the housing engages inner surfaces of the main shell. The inner shell and outer shell are welded to the main shell, respectively. A front seal made of an adhesive can be shaped and cured when disposed on a rough portion of the main shell. A rear seal can be disposed in the main shell and join the rear portion of the housing with the housing portion inside the main shell.