Connector Fastening Tabs Prevent Shell Curving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional socket connectors with U-shaped fastening tabs are prone to curving out of the metal shell due to their design, leading to interference with neighboring electronic components and insufficient resilient force, especially as connectors become more compact.
Innovation Solution
The connector features fastening tabs with two connecting ends securely attached to the metal shell, preventing them from extending out and providing enhanced structural firmness and resilient force by extending into a space to tightly press against a plug connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If fastening tabs are made with U-shaped outer edges to enable tight connection, then the connector can press tightly the plug connector, but the fastening tabs curve easily out from the metal shell after repeated connections
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening tab is divided into multiple sections: a fixed end connected to the metal shell, a resilient middle section, and a free end. This segmentation allows the middle section to provide resilient pressing force while the fixed end maintains structural stability and prevents the tab from curving out completely.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the fastening tab by changing from a simple U-shaped design to a multi-section design with specific length ratios. The resilient section has controlled dimensions that allow it to deflect and return, providing consistent pressing force without permanent deformation or complete detachment.
2Volume of moving object
If connectors are designed more compact, then the connector size is reduced, but the fastening tabs are too short to provide sufficient resilient force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the resilient function in a specific middle section of the fastening tab, while the fixed end provides anchorage and the free end provides contact. This localized functional distribution allows the tab to be compact overall while maintaining sufficient resilient force in the critical pressing area.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening tab is designed as a dynamic resilient element rather than a rigid component. The middle section can elastically deform during connection and disconnection cycles, allowing the tab to adapt to slight misalignments and maintain consistent pressing force despite the compact size constraints.
3Ease of manufacture
If fastening tabs have free ends separated from the metal shell, then the tabs can be formed by simple stamping, but the free ends interfere with neighbor electronic components after repeated connections
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the fastening tab into a fixed end, resilient section, and controlled free end, the patent maintains the manufacturing simplicity of stamping while limiting the free end's movement range. The fixed end anchored to the metal shell prevents excessive deflection that would cause interference with neighboring components.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixed end connection provides preliminary constraint that prevents the fastening tab from deflecting beyond acceptable limits during repeated connections. This preliminary anti-action counteracts the potential harmful deflection before it can occur, eliminating interference with neighboring electronic components.
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 solution effectively prevents fastening tabs from inadvertently curving out, ensuring secure engagement with plug connectors and reducing interference with other components, while providing greater resilient force for stable connection.
Implementation Method 1
Each fastening tab has two connecting ends, a first section and a second section. The connecting ends are connected to the top of the metal shell. With the connecting ends connected to the metal shell instead of free ends, the fastening tabs would not inadvertently extend out of the metal shell.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector has an insulative housing, a plurality of terminals and a metal shell. The insulative housing has a base and a tongue formed on the base. The terminals are mounted in the insulative housing. The metal shell covers the insulative housing and has a top, a space and a plurality of fastening tabs. The fastening tabs are formed on the top of the metal shell and extend from the top into the space to tightly press against a plug connector. Each fastening tab has two connecting ends, a first section and a second section. The connecting ends are connected to the top of the metal shell. With the connecting ends connected to the metal shell instead of free ends, the fastening tabs would not inadvertently extend out of the metal shell.