Reinforced Electrical Connector End Walls for Mis-Insertion Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors face issues with structural integrity during oblique or mis-insertion of mating connectors, leading to potential damage of insulative housing components, and there is a need for miniaturization without increasing the connector's length.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of reinforcing members within the end walls of the insulative housing, which are fixed to the metallic shell, guiding the mating connector and preventing interference with the end walls, while maintaining the connector's compact size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If metallic guiding members are added at opposite end walls to guide the mating card, then the guiding function is improved, but the entire length of the electrical connector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing member is integrated into the end wall structure of the insulative housing, merging the guiding function with the existing housing structure rather than adding separate external components. This combination maintains the guiding capability while avoiding additional length increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing member is positioned within the space defined by the end wall and mating slot, nesting the guiding structure inside the existing connector boundaries. This nesting approach allows the guiding function to be achieved without extending the overall connector length.
2Ease of operation
If end walls and metallic guiding members are added to guide the mating card, then the guiding function is improved, but the insulative housing is more prone to damage during oblique or mis-insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing member is positioned to preemptively counteract oblique or mis-insertion forces before they can damage the insulative housing. By being integrated into the end wall structure and facing the mating slot, it provides preliminary protection against harmful insertion angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing member acts as a protective element that absorbs or deflects mis-insertion forces before they reach the insulative housing. Its strategic positioning within the end wall structure provides beforehand cushioning against potential damage during oblique insertion.
3Reliability
If reinforcing members are added to prevent damage during mis-insertion, then the structural protection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing member is merged with the end wall structure of the insulative housing, combining the protective function with the existing structural elements. This integration approach provides structural protection while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing member serves multiple functions: it provides structural protection against mis-insertion, guides the mating connector, and integrates with the end wall structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes: an insulative housing comprising two side walls extending along a longitudinal direction thereof and two end walls connecting with the two side walls to together define a mating slot; plural conductive terminals arranged on the side walls and having contacting portions protruding into the mating slot; a metallic shell surrounding the insulative housing and having two side plates covering the side walls and two end plates covering the end walls; and a pair of reinforcing members retained in the end walls, respectively, wherein the end wall defines a recess accommodating the reinforcing member, an inside of the reinforcing member directly faces the mating slot, and an outside of the reinforcing member is attached with the end plate.