Connector Assembly With Elastic Locking for Lower-Cost Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing MCIO connectors in the telecommunication industry have complex structural configurations, leading to high manufacturing costs due to the complexity of engaging structures in the cable-end and board-end connectors.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly design featuring a board-end connector with an outer shell, insulated housing, and terminal module, and a cable-end connector with flexible locking portions that engage with grooves in the insulated housing when inserted, simplifying the structure and reducing manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex engaging structures are used in cable-end and board-end connectors, then connection reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the structural parameters of the engaging mechanism by transitioning from complex multi-component engaging structures to simple elastic pieces with engaging protrusions. The elastic pieces are formed by bending metal strips into U-shapes with specific dimensional parameters (width, thickness, leg lengths) that enable reliable engagement through elastic deformation rather than complex mechanical interlocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the engagement function in specific localized features: the engaging protrusions on the elastic pieces and the corresponding engaging holes in the insulating housing. Rather than requiring complex structures throughout the connector, the engagement reliability is achieved through precisely designed local features at the interaction points between cable-end and board-end connectors.
2Stability of the object's composition
If complex engaging structures are used in connectors, then connection stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the elastic pieces: the same component provides both the engaging protrusions for mechanical connection and the elastic deformation capability for maintaining contact pressure. The metal strips are bent into U-shapes that simultaneously serve as mounting structures and engagement mechanisms, eliminating the need for separate engaging components and reducing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic pieces perform self-service by automatically adjusting the engagement force through elastic deformation. When the cable-end connector is inserted, the elastic pieces deform to engage with the insulating housing and automatically maintain appropriate contact pressure without requiring external adjustment mechanisms or complex control systems.
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 simplified design allows for stable and reliable connection while reducing manufacturing costs, maintaining the lightweight and small size required for high-speed signal transmission.
Implementation Method 1
each of two sides of the insulated housing has a groove in communication with the receiving cavity, and each of the flexible locking portions is arranged in a corresponding one of the grooves
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly includes a board-end connector and a cable-end connector. The board-end connector includes an outer shell, an insulated housing, and a terminal module. The insulated housing is in the outer shell and has a receiving cavity. Each side of the insulated housing has a groove configured to arrange a corresponding flexible locking portion of the outer shell. The terminal module is in the receiving cavity and includes ground terminals and pairs of signal terminals arranged as a single row along an axial line. The cable-end connector includes a flexible parallel cable and a plug at one end of the flexible parallel cable, and an engaging portion is at each side of the plug. When the plug is inserted into the receiving cavity through an insertion opening of the insulated housing, each of the engaging portions is engaged with a corresponding one of the flexible locking portions.