Sheet-Metal Connector Casing Suppresses Substrate Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing mounting and connector structures for electronic apparatuses face issues with flexural deformation of substrates due to normal forces applied during connector attachment and detachment, leading to potential breakage in soldering portions and connector terminals, especially when using sheet-metal casings instead of die-cast casings.
Innovation Solution
A mounting and connector structure that incorporates a sheet-metal casing with a sandwiched configuration using two casing members, where the first casing member contacts the side where the mating connector is attached and detached, and the second casing member contacts the opposite side, effectively receiving and distributing the normal force applied during connector attachment and detachment, thereby suppressing flexural deformation of the substrate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a vertical connector is mounted on the substrate and a mating connector is attached and detached in a direction perpendicular to the substrate surface, then connector functionality is achieved, but flexural deformation of the substrate occurs due to the normal force applied during attachment and detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a connector mounting structure that acts as an intermediary between the vertical connector and the substrate. This mounting structure absorbs and distributes the normal force applied during mating connector attachment and detachment, preventing the force from being directly transmitted to the substrate. The mounting structure includes a connector mounting surface and support portions that extend to contact the substrate, creating a force distribution mechanism that protects the substrate from flexural deformation while maintaining connector functionality.
2Reliability
If screw-fixing is used to mount connectors to a die-cast-made casing, then connector stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase compared to sheet-metal casings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connector mounting function from the casing structure itself. Instead of relying on the casing to provide mounting stability through screws, the connector mounting structure is separated as an independent component with its own stability-providing features. The support portions extending from the connector mounting surface create a self-stabilizing structure that does not require additional fastening mechanisms, enabling use with simple sheet-metal casings while maintaining connector stability.
3Ease of manufacture
If sheet-metal casings are used instead of die-cast-made casings for cost reduction, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but connector stability and waterproofness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by designing the connector mounting structure to inherently provide both stability and waterproofing features before final assembly. The support portions are pre-configured to contact the substrate and provide stability, while the connector mounting surface is designed to work with sealing structures that ensure waterproofness. This preliminary design allows sheet-metal casings to achieve the same reliability as die-cast casings without requiring additional manufacturing steps or expensive materials.
Data Source
AI summary
Mounting and connector structure for an electronic apparatus includes a substrate, a mounting connector mounted on a substrate surface of the substrate, and a mating connector is attached/detached to the mounting connector in a direction perpendicular to the substrate surface, and a casing having a first casing member disposed on a connector mounting surface of the substrate and a second casing member disposed on an opposite surface side of the connector mounting surface, and the casing accommodates the substrate and the mounting connector in an accommodation space which is formed by coupling the casing members to one another. The first casing member is in contact with a first surface that is a side where the mating connector is attached/detached in the mounting connector, and the second casing member is in contact with a second surface that is a side facing to the first surface in the mounting connector.