Connector Assembly for Flex Circuits Eliminating Mounting Brackets
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of navigation devices in automobiles is inconvenient due to the need for a mounting bracket and a long connection cable, which interferes with vision and restricts activity.
Innovation Solution
A plug device and receptacle device assembly that allows for direct electrical connection and support of electronic devices, eliminating the need for a mounting bracket and connection cable, with a plug connector extending out of the housing to enhance stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mounting bracket and connection cable are used to connect navigation device to circuit system, then electrical connection can be established, but installation becomes inconvenient and the cable interferes with vision and restricts activity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mounting bracket and connection cable into an integrated connector assembly. The plug connector is directly mounted on the navigation device housing, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets and cables. This merging of functions resolves the technical contradiction by simplifying the installation process while maintaining electrical connection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the mounting and connection functions into a single integrated component (the connector assembly with plug and receptacle). By taking out the separate mounting bracket and connection cable and combining their functions into one unified structure, the system achieves easier installation without visual interference or activity restriction.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a long connection cable is used to provide power supply, then electrical connection is established, but the cable interferes with vision and restricts activity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent completely removes the long connection cable from the system by integrating the electrical connection function directly into the mounting structure. The plug connector with mating face extends from the housing to establish electrical connection without requiring a separate cable, thereby eliminating visual interference and activity restriction.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting function and electrical connection function are merged into a single integrated assembly. The connector housing that mounts the navigation device also contains the plug connector that provides electrical connection, eliminating the need for a separate cable and thus removing the harmful effects of visual interference and activity restriction.
3Reliability
If the insulative body extends out of the housing to enhance connection stability, then connection stability is improved, but the housing structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into an upper housing and a lower housing that mate together. The lower housing contains the penetrating window through which the insulative body extends. This segmentation allows the insulative body to extend outward for stable connection while maintaining a structured and organized housing design, resolving the contradiction between connection stability and housing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulative body extends in a different dimension (outward through the penetrating window) from the main housing body. This dimensional arrangement allows the connection interface to be accessible externally while the bulk of the connector assembly remains compact within the housing, thus improving connection stability without significantly increasing overall housing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly comprises a plug device and a receptacle device which can be mated with each other. The plug device comprises an outer housing, a first circuit board, and a plug connector. The outer housing comprises an upper housing and a lower housing having a penetrating window. The plug connector comprises an insulative body and a first terminal group. The receptacle device comprises a casing and a receptacle connector. The casing has an insertion groove communicated with an outside and is engaged with the plug device and a receiving groove located under the insertion groove and communicated with the insertion groove. The receptacle connector comprises an insulative base and a second terminal group. Electrical connections are established between the contact portions of the second terminals and contact portions of corresponding first terminals of the first terminal group when the plug device is positioned in the insertion groove.