Connector Clamp Assembly to Prevent Decoupling Without Positive Locks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computing devices face issues with connectors decoupling due to unintentional jolts and drops, and connectors with positive locks are costly and occupy more board space.
Innovation Solution
A clamp system with a spine and extending arms is used to secure male and female connectors without positive locks, ensuring electrical continuity by embracing and hugging the connectors together.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connectors with positive locks are used to prevent decoupling, then reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system is divided into two separate components: the connector body and the positive lock mechanism. This allows the positive lock to be an optional add-on component rather than an integrated feature, enabling manufacturers to produce basic connectors at lower cost and only add the locking mechanism when reliability requirements demand it.
Solution Approach 2:
The positive lock feature is applied locally and selectively rather than universally. The clamp assembly with positive lock is used only in specific applications where decoupling prevention is critical, while standard connectors without positive locks are used in less demanding applications, optimizing the overall cost-reliability balance.
2Reliability
If connectors with positive locks are used to prevent decoupling, then reliability is improved, but board space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positive lock mechanism is designed to nest within the existing connector structure. The clamp assembly integrates with the connector body such that the locking components are contained within the overall connector footprint, adding locking functionality without significantly increasing the board space required.
Solution Approach 2:
The positive lock mechanism utilizes the vertical dimension (Z-axis) rather than expanding the horizontal footprint. The clamp arms extend vertically to engage with the connector body, providing locking action in the vertical direction while maintaining a compact horizontal profile that fits within standard connector spacing.
3Ease of manufacture
If clamps are used to secure connectors without positive locks, then cost is reduced, but connector stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is designed to be installed in advance of potential decoupling events. The clamp arms are positioned and engaged with the connector body before any jolts or drops can occur, establishing the protective locking relationship proactively rather than reactively.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp arms feature curved surfaces that conform to the connector body geometry. This curved design increases the contact area and distribution of locking forces, enhancing the stability and reliability of the connection while using simpler, more cost-effective clamp components.
Data Source
AI summary
A disclosed clamp for securing male and female connectors together may include a spine, at least one arm that extends from a side of the spine, and at least one additional arm that extends from an additional side of the spine. In this example, the arm and the additional arm may be configured to collectively secure the spine against a cable-side connector coupled to a board-side connector to prevent the cable-side connector from decoupling from the board-side connector. Various other apparatuses, systems, and methods are also disclosed.