Electrical Connector Metal Cage Locking Structure Against Shell Looseness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies face challenges in maintaining the structural reliability of the metal shells within the electrical connectors, particularly in preventing looseness between the first and second metal shells.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector incorporates a metal cage with a first insertion space, where the insertion slot communicates with the first insertion space. The metal cage includes a first locking hole and a first buckle tab on the retaining portion, and a first locking protrusion and a first retaining groove on the wall portion. These features work together to securely assemble and fix the first and second metal shells, reducing the risk of loosening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the first metal shell and second metal shell are assembled together, then the metal cage structure is formed, but the assembly may become loose over time
Solution Approach 1:
The metal cage is divided into two separate metal shells (first metal shell and second metal shell) that are assembled together. This segmentation allows for modular assembly while maintaining structural integrity through the locking mechanism between the divided parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second metal shells are nested together to form the complete metal cage structure. The second metal shell is positioned within or alongside the first metal shell, creating a nested configuration that provides both structural support and electromagnetic shielding.
Solution Approach 3:
The locking protrusion and locking hole are pre-formed on the metal shells before assembly. The locking protrusion on one shell is designed to fit into the locking hole on the other shell, creating a pre-configured locking mechanism that prevents loosening during operation.
2Reliability
If the metal shells are securely fixed together, then structural reliability is improved, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct components: a locking protrusion on one metal shell and a corresponding locking hole on the other shell. This segmentation simplifies the design by breaking down the complex fixation requirement into simple geometric features that are easy to manufacture and assemble.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking protrusion and locking hole form a self-locking mechanism that automatically secures the metal shells together during assembly. Once assembled, the interlocking features maintain the connection without requiring additional fasteners or complex fixation procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes an insulating body, a number of conductive terminals and a metal cage. The metal cage includes a first metal shell and a second metal shell. The first metal cage includes a wall portion. The second metal shell includes a retaining portion. The retaining portion includes a first locking hole, a first buckle tab and a first abutting surface. The wall portion includes a first locking protrusion retained in the first locking hole. The first locking protrusion includes a first retaining groove and a first limiting surface. The first abutting surface abuts against the first locking protrusion to restrict the second metal shell. The first limiting surface abuts against the first buckle tab to limit an excessive displacement of the second metal shell. A connector assembly having the electrical connector is also disclosed.