Waterproof Electrical Connector Fastener Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors lack a secure and efficient method to firmly fasten upper and lower module parts with a metallic plate, particularly for mounting to a printed circuit board, as they often rely on engaged post and hole structures that may not provide adequate retention and alignment.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector design featuring a terminal module with upper and lower module parts, a metallic plate positioned between them, an insulative base for insert molding, a shielding shell, and a fastener extending through all parts for secure mounting to a printed circuit board, utilizing non-straight holes and a step structure in the fastener to ensure proper alignment and retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If engaged post and hole structure is used to fasten upper and lower module parts, then assembly is simplified, but retention and alignment are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is divided into multiple functional segments: a head portion for positioning, a shaft portion for fastening, and a mounting portion for PCB attachment. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally, providing both simplified assembly and reliable retention through the distributed functional design.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener extends beyond the traditional planar post-and-hole engagement into the vertical dimension by protruding from the lower module part to mount on the PCB. This dimensional extension adds a third fastening interface, simultaneously improving retention strength and alignment accuracy while maintaining assembly simplicity.
2Device complexity
If traditional fastening methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but structural integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fastening functions are merged into a single integrated fastener component that provides positioning, fastening, and PCB mounting capabilities. This consolidation maintains low device complexity while achieving high structural integrity through the combined effects of multiple fastening interfaces in one element.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a positioning element during assembly, a fastening element for securing module parts, and a mounting element for PCB attachment. This multi-functionality allows a single simple component to provide comprehensive structural integrity without increasing overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If multiple separate fastening components are used, then retention is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines what would traditionally be separate positioning pins, fastening screws, and mounting brackets into a single integrated fastener component. This merging maintains strong retention through multiple functional zones within one piece while dramatically reducing the number of discrete components and simplifying the assembly process.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes: a terminal module including an upper and lower module parts; a metallic plate positioned between the upper and lower module parts; an insulative base insert molding the upper and lower module parts with the metallic plate; a shielding shell enclosing the upper and lower module parts; and a fastener extending through the upper module part, the metallic plate, and the lower module part and beyond a bottom of the lower module part for mounting to a printed circuit board.