Movable Stop Member for Connector Cage Assembly Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laminated connector assemblies face interference issues during assembly due to the design of the lower port's plug insertion limiting structures, which complicate the installation of Surface Mount Technology (SMT) connectors and create challenges with heat dissipation layouts.
Innovation Solution
A connector cage assembly featuring a housing with stacked upper and lower plug sockets, an intermediate member, a heat sink, and a movable stop member that can shift between two positions to limit plug connector insertion, preventing interference with SMT connectors while allowing effective heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fixed plug insertion limiting structure is provided in the lower port, then plug insertion depth is limited, but it interferes with SMT connector installation
Solution Approach 1:
The stop member is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to shift position based on operational needs. During SMT connector installation, the stop member can move to accommodate the connector, eliminating interference. During normal operation, it returns to its limiting position to control plug insertion depth, thus resolving the contradiction between insertion control and manufacturing ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop member is divided into distinct functional segments: a limiting portion that controls insertion depth, a movable connection portion that enables position changes, and a driving portion that responds to operational forces. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently, enabling both insertion limitation and SMT connector compatibility.
2Temperature
If heat sink is positioned above lower port, then heat dissipation is improved, but it complicates insertion limit structure design
Solution Approach 1:
The stop member is integrated with the heat sink structure, combining the insertion limitation function and heat dissipation function into a single unified component. The stop member extends from the heat sink, allowing the heat sink to be positioned above the lower port for effective heat dissipation while the stop member provides the necessary insertion limiting function without requiring separate complex structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector cage assembly includes a housing, an intermediate member, a heat sink and a movable stop member. The housing defines upper and lower plug sockets stacked in a vertical direction. The intermediate member is arranged between the upper socket and the lower socket, and the heat sink is arranged adjacent the intermediate member. The stop member is movable within the housing between a first position in which it is positioned at a first distance from the heat sink, and a second position in which it is positioned at a second distance from the heat sink, greater than the first distance. The stop member is adapted to limit the insertion of a plug connector inserted into the lower plug socket.