Connector Assembly With 3D Stop Blocks for Precise Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The alignment features in existing connector assemblies, such as those described in Chinese invention patent CN101669256B, are susceptible to deformation due to their plate-like structure, leading to reduced strength and alignment precision.
Innovation Solution
The connector assembly incorporates a shielding cover with integrally formed stop blocks having a three-dimensional protruding structure, an insertion plate, support plates, and a pressure application elastic plate, along with a rear cover that engages with the socket connector to enhance assembly strength and integrity, using features like stop block accommodation recesses and retainer stops to prevent movement and apply forward pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If plate-like alignment features are used on the side wall of the cage member, then alignment between the cage member and connector housing is achieved, but the alignment features have low strength and are susceptible to deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment feature is transformed from a two-dimensional plate structure to a three-dimensional protruding structure with width, height, and depth dimensions. This dimensional change provides additional structural rigidity while maintaining the alignment function, resolving the contradiction between alignment precision and structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment feature incorporates a curved outer surface that engages with a corresponding curved alignment slot, replacing the traditional flat plate structure. This curved geometry distributes stress more effectively and prevents deformation while maintaining precise alignment capability.
2Ease of manufacture
If the alignment feature has a simple plate structure, then manufacturing is simple, but the structure has low strength and deforms easily under external forces
Solution Approach 1:
By adding the third dimension to create a protruding alignment feature rather than a flat plate, the structure gains inherent stability without significantly complicating the manufacturing process. The extrusion or molding process can naturally create this three-dimensional form.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment feature is formed as an integral part of the cage member body, creating a composite structure where the alignment feature and cage member share the same material properties and structural integrity, eliminating the weakness of separate plate attachments.
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 enhanced assembly strength and precision are achieved through the use of three-dimensional stop blocks, insertion plates, and elastic pressure application, improving tolerance to external forces and maintaining precise alignment.
Implementation Method 1
The rear cover has an integrally formed pressure application elastic plate for applying forward pressure on the rear end of the socket housing
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly includes a shielding cover, a socket connector, and a rear cover. The shielding cover includes a plug connection channel having a rear end opening, and a top wall, two side walls and a bottom wall. Each of the side walls has a stop block protruding towards the plug connection channel. The stop block has a three-dimensional protruding structure and has an upper stop edge and a rear stop edge. The bottom wall has an insertion plate located in a rear portion and extending backwards. The socket connector is arranged in a rear section of the plug connection channel of the shielding cover by means of insertion from the rear end opening. The socket connector includes a socket housing. The socket housing has a stop block accommodation recess formed on a side surface thereof, and an insertion slot integrally formed in a bottom portion thereof. The stop block accommodation recess is used to accommodate the stop blocks on the two side walls, and the insertion plate of the shielding cover is inserted into the slot backwards. The rear cover is connected to the rear end opening of the shielding cover.