Connector Assembly With Arc Contacts and Self-Locking Mating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies for integrated circuits lack efficient mating mechanisms that ensure stable contact pressure and area, particularly due to the instability of straight-line contact regions which can convert to point contacts, and do not effectively manage stress on cables.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly with a first and second connector that move in a specific directional sequence, utilizing an actuator with a cam portion to establish contact between arc-shaped edges of signal terminals, and a covering structure to relieve cable stress through locking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If straight-line contact regions are used for terminal contact, then the structure is simple, but the contact stability deteriorates as the contact region converts to point contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by designing the contact portion of the terminal with an arc-shaped contact surface instead of a straight-line edge. This curved geometry ensures that the contact region maintains stable line contact with the corresponding terminal, preventing degradation to point contact and thereby improving contact stability and reliability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
2Device complexity
If connectors are designed without locking mechanisms, then the device complexity is reduced, but the mating stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-locking mechanism where the housing includes positioning structures that automatically engage with corresponding features on the connected connector during the mating process. This self-service locking mechanism ensures stable mating without requiring additional external locking components, thereby maintaining low device complexity while improving mating stability
3Device complexity
If cable stress is not managed, then the connector structure is simpler, but the cable connection reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a cable management structure with stress relief features built into the housing design. This structure provides beforehand cushioning by distributing and relieving mechanical stress on the cable before it can cause damage, thereby protecting the cable connection and improving reliability without adding significant structural complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector includes a first housing and a first terminal held by the first housing, the first terminal has a first contact portion which extends in a first direction. The second connector includes a second housing and a second terminal held by the second housing, the second terminal extends in the first direction and has a second contact portion. In a mating process of the first connector and the second connector, the first connector and the second connector firstly move toward each other along the first direction, then move along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction relative to each other to make the first contact portion of the first terminal contact the second contact portion of the second terminal and make the first connector and the second connector mate with each other.