Electrical Connector Insulating Channels for Dense Contact Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors with closely spaced contacts suffer from signal interference due to the proximity of adjacent contacts, particularly in Micro-D type connectors.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector kit comprising an insulating insert and retaining piece, formed of insulating materials, with U-shaped channels and elastically deformable retaining fingers to secure contacts in place, preventing rearward movement and minimizing contact interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the center-to-center distance between adjacent contacts is reduced to increase contact density, then the quantity of contacts per unit area increases, but signal interference between adjacent contacts occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an insulating partition wall as an intermediary structure between adjacent contacts. This partition wall, extending from the insulating body, physically separates the electrical contacts and prevents signal interference while allowing the contacts to maintain close spacing for high density connectivity
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating body is segmented into multiple sections by partition walls that divide the connector interior into separate channels for each contact. This segmentation isolates the electromagnetic fields of adjacent contacts, preventing interference while maintaining compact dimensions
2Reliability
If contacts are held securely in position to prevent rearward movement, then connection reliability improves, but the complexity of the retaining mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining fingers are designed to be elastically deformable, allowing them to automatically engage with the contact during insertion and provide continuous retaining force without additional actuation mechanisms. The elastic deformation absorbs insertion forces and maintains constant contact pressure
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining function is merged with the insulating body structure itself, where the partition walls and insulating material serve dual purposes of electrical isolation and mechanical retention, eliminating the need for separate retaining components
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The insulating connector design reduces signal interference and prevents short circuits by maintaining contact isolation, even with small center-to-center distances between adjacent contacts.
Implementation Method 1
The retaining piece comprises, for each of said passages, an elastically deformable retaining finger, capable of being deformed by one of said contacts when the contact is put into the connection position in the first passage, and of taking a connection position in the passage when said contact has reached its connection position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
Kit for an electrical connector (1), comprising an insert (30) and a retaining piece (50), together forming an insulating body made of insulating material (20). This insulating body (20) is configured, in the connection position, to accommodate electrical contacts (70) in parallel passages (22). Each passage (22) includes a channel (44) and a retaining finger (56) for holding a contact located in the passage at the bottom of the channel and preventing it from moving backward. For at least one channel (44), the lateral wings (44L) of the channel (44) extend in the transverse direction (Z) beyond a limit (LC) in the transverse direction of a contact (70) located in the connection position in the channel. Electrical connector made from the kit.