Electrical Connector Foolproof Structure for Miniaturization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical connector assemblies face issues with misinsertion due to fool-proof portions that can damage mating connectors and occupy space, hindering miniaturization.

Innovation Solution

The electrical connector assembly features a first connector with fool-proof portions that engage with corresponding slots in a second connector's mating frame, preventing misinsertion by using a thinner front portion and a thicker rear portion of the fool-proof portions, and includes a metal plate for reinforcement and shielding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fool-proof portions are added to the insulative housing to prevent misinsertion, then misinsertion prevention is improved, but the connector occupies more space which hinders miniaturization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemisinsertion preventionVSAvoidconnector space occupancy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The fool-proof portions are extracted from the insulative housing and relocated to the mating cavity surface, where they occupy minimal space while still providing misinsertion prevention functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The fool-proof portions are positioned on the mating cavity surface rather than extending from the housing exterior, utilizing the depth dimension of the mating cavity to achieve fool-proof functionality without increasing lateral dimensions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If fool-proof portions are made thicker to maintain structural strength, then strength is improved, but space occupancy increases hindering miniaturization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidspace occupancy

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The mating cavity surface is reinforced locally with metal material specifically at the regions where fool-proof portions are positioned, providing enhanced structural strength only where needed rather than throughout the entire housing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The connector assembly utilizes composite construction with metal reinforcement plates integrated into the insulative housing, combining the advantages of both materials to achieve strength and miniaturization goals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS9413111B2Electrical connector assembly having foolproof structure

Publication Date: 2016.08.09 HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO LTD

AI summary

An electrical connector assembly includes a first connector and a second connector mating with the first connector in a mating direction. The first connector includes a mating portion defining two long walls opposite to each other and two short walls disposed oppositely, the long and short walls are connected to each other together to form a mating cavity. The second connector includes a mating tongue extending forwardly and a second shielding shell defining a mating frame surrounding the mating tongue. Wherein one of the long walls defines a pair of fool-proof portions extending outwardly from both sides thereof, the mating frame defines a pair of fool-proof slots and engaging with the fool-proof portions so as to prevent the first connector from mismating the second connector.