Connector Assembly Cable Orientation Mating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies lack a structure to define the relation between the mating direction and the extending direction of a cable, requiring prior knowledge of this relation for proper mating, which complicates the mating process and interface design.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly with a first and second connector, where the second connector is a cable connector with a cable holding portion and support portions that allow the cable to extend in a direction different from the mating direction, and engagement portions that enable fine adjustment of the rotation angle, simplifying the interface structure while maintaining strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the connector assembly has no structure to define the relation between mating direction and cable extending direction, then the interface structure is simpler, but the ease of operation deteriorates because prior knowledge of the relation is required for proper mating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining the relationship between mating direction and cable extending direction through the support portion structure. The support portion is configured in advance to guide the cable along a predetermined path, so that when connectors are mated, the cable automatically extends in the intended direction without requiring the operator to know or calculate the relationship. This resolves the contradiction by embedding the directional information into the structure itself before the mating operation occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The support portion acts as an intermediary element between the connector body and the cable. It mediates the relationship between mating direction and cable extending direction by providing a physical guide structure. The support portion translates the mating motion into the appropriate cable orientation, eliminating the need for complex interface structures while maintaining ease of operation. This intermediary structure simplifies the overall interface while ensuring proper cable routing.
2Strength
If the support portion is rigid to maintain structural strength, then the strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the engagement portions cannot move to accommodate misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the support portion movable rather than rigid. The support portion is designed to move in a direction intersecting with the front-rear direction, allowing the engagement portions to adjust their position dynamically during the mating process. This movement capability enables the connector to accommodate misalignment and guide itself into proper engagement, improving ease of operation while maintaining sufficient structural strength through the controlled mobility of the support portion.
3Device complexity
If the cable holding portion constrains the cable to extend only in the front-rear direction, then the structural simplicity is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates because the cable cannot extend in different directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by allowing the cable to extend in directions other than the front-rear direction. The support portion is configured to guide the cable along a predetermined path that may include lateral or angular deviations from the front-rear axis. This enables the cable holding structure to maintain simplicity while providing adaptability for cables needing to extend in multiple directions, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly comprises a first connector and a second connector. One of the first connector and the second connector is a cable connector which is configured to be connected with a cable. The first connector comprises a plurality of first engagement portions. The second connector comprises at least one support portion and at least one second engagement portion. under a mated state where the first connector and the second connector are mated with each other, the first engagement portions are divided into to a first group and a second group and each of the at least one second engagement portion faces one of the first engagement portion(s) of the first group in a front-rear direction while each of the first engagement portion(s) of the second group does not face any of the at least one second engagement portion in the front-rear direction.