Connector Bracket Catch Structure Prevents Unintentional Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies with separable upper and lower brackets face issues with unintentional separation during extraction, as the upper bracket can deflect and release the catch between the brackets, leading to the upper bracket coming off and leaving the circuit board or lower bracket behind.
Innovation Solution
The connector assembly features a catch structure where the upper and lower brackets overlap with lanced tabs and catch holes, ensuring the brackets remain caught even when deflecting during extraction, preventing unintentional separation and maintaining the assembly integrity without increasing the bracket's lateral dimension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the bracket is separable into upper and lower brackets for ease of assembly, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to unintentional separation during extraction
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is divided into upper and lower brackets that can be assembled separately. The upper bracket and lower bracket are segmented components that support the connector from above and below, allowing for easier manufacturing and assembly while maintaining structural integrity through the catch mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The catch structure is designed in advance with lateral lower bracket sidewall portions overlapping with lateral upper bracket sidewall portions. The lanced tabs and catch holes are preliminarily positioned to ensure that when the upper bracket deflects during extraction, the catch structure prevents separation before it can occur.
2Reliability
If the lateral lower bracket sidewall portions overlap with lateral upper bracket sidewall portions to prevent separation, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catch structure merges the upper and lower bracket sidewall portions into an integrated overlapping configuration. The lateral lower bracket sidewall portions and lateral upper bracket sidewall portions are combined in an overlapping arrangement that provides both structural support and separation prevention through the catch mechanism between lanced tabs and catch holes.
Solution Approach 2:
The catch structure implements a nested configuration where the lateral lower bracket sidewall portions are positioned within the overlap region of the lateral upper bracket sidewall portions. The lanced tabs and catch holes are nested within each other to form the catch mechanism, creating a compact interlocking structure that prevents separation.
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket includes an upper bracket and a lower bracket. The upper bracket and the lower bracket support a supported body from above and below between the upper bracket and the lower bracket. The lower bracket has a pair of lateral lower bracket sidewall portions overlapping with a pair of lateral upper bracket sidewall portions of the upper bracket. The lateral lower bracket sidewall portions catch with the lateral upper bracket sidewall portions to catch the lower bracket on the upper bracket.