Electrical Connector Edge Protective Structure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The miniaturization of electrical connectors leads to the tongue board structure being damaged during the plugging process due to scratches from the metal housing of mating connectors, shortening the operational lifespan.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector with an edge protective structure featuring a shielding housing and a tongue board module that includes an insulated retaining member with a slit, a protection board, and terminals, where the protection board is positioned to absorb stress and prevent damage from mating connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the electrical connector is miniaturized to reduce product size, then the size of the electrical connector is reduced, but the tongue board structure becomes more susceptible to damage from scratches during plugging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protective board as an intermediary element positioned between the tongue board structure and the mating connector's metal housing. This protective board absorbs the harmful scratching contact during plugging operations, preventing direct damage to the tongue board while allowing the connector to maintain its miniaturized dimensions.
2Ease of operation
If the metal housing of the mating connector contacts the tongue board during plugging, then electrical connection is established, but the tongue board structure is scratched and damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The protective board serves as a mediator that intercepts the harmful scratching action from the metal housing during the normal plugging operation. It allows the plugging process to proceed smoothly while protecting the tongue board structure from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful scratching contact into a beneficial protective mechanism. The protective board is designed to receive and absorb the scratching force that would otherwise damage the tongue board, transforming a harmful interaction into a protective function that extends the connector's service life.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the tongue board structure is exposed during plugging, then connection with mating connector is enabled, but stretch damage occurs reducing operational lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The protective board is pre-installed on the tongue board structure before the plugging operation occurs. This preliminary protective measure ensures that when the mating connector is inserted, the tongue board is already shielded from stretch damage, thereby preserving the operational lifespan while maintaining connection capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector with an edge protective structure is provided, which includes a shielding housing and a tongue board module. The shielding housing has a receiving space for receiving the tongue board module therein. The tongue board module has an insulated retaining member, a protection board and a plurality of terminals. The insulated retaining member has a front edge and two side edges. The insulated retaining member has a slit, which passes through the front edge and extends toward the two side edges. The protection board is disposed in the slit. The terminals include at least two elongated terminals and at least two shortened terminals. The elongated terminals are used to transmit power or to ground. The protection board has a protrusive edge, which is protruded outside the front edge of the insulated retaining member and is exposed to an outside of the two side edges.