Electrical Connector Assembly With Double Locking Shells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connector assemblies with board and cable connectors face challenges in achieving stable and efficient locking mechanisms, which can increase manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
The proposed electrical connector assembly features a board connector with a first metallic shell having engaging and locking portions, and a cable connector with a second metallic shell having corresponding locking and engaging portions, resulting in a double locking mechanism for enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to the electrical connector assembly, then the reliability of connection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arm is integrated with the sidewall as a unitary structure, merging two components into one. This reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining the locking function, thus improving reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional portions: the locking arm extending from the sidewall, the engaging portion on the metallic shell, and the locking portion that secures the connection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together as a cohesive system.
2Reliability
If the locking arm unitarily extends from the sidewall, then the manufacturing complexity is increased, but the locking function is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arm is formed as a unitary extension from the sidewall, combining what could be separate components into a single molded part. This integration improves the locking function by ensuring precise alignment and robust connection, while the unitary construction actually simplifies manufacturing by reducing assembly steps and part count.
Data Source
AI summary
A board connector includes a first housing including a base and two sidewalls, plural first terminals retained in the base and located between the two sidewalls, and a first metallic shell enclosing the first housing and including a pair of first engaging portions at the sidewalls and a pair of first locking portions located in front of the sidewalls. A cable connector includes a second insulating housing and defining two opposite sides, plural second terminals retained in the second housing, and a second metallic shell enclosing the second housing and including a pair of second locking portions and a pair of second engaging portions behind the second locking portions. The first locking portions are locked with the second engaging portion, and the second locking portion are locked with the first engaging portions after the board connector and the cable connector is mated with each other.