Electrical Connector Grounding Plate Pre-Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors face issues with the rigidity of the final product and improper positioning of grounding plates, which affect the appearance and functionality of the terminal module due to the sequential assembly of grounding plates after the insert-molding process.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector incorporates grounding plates with latching hooks that are pre-assembled onto the terminal module before the final insert-molding process, ensuring secure positioning and correct alignment during the molding process by engaging with protrusions on the terminal module components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If grounding plates are assembled sequentially after the terminal module is insert-molded, then the assembly process is simplified, but the positioning accuracy and appearance quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding plates are pre-assembled onto the terminal module before the insert-molding process. The latching hooks are preliminarily engaged with the root section of the mating tongue, establishing correct positioning in advance. This preliminary action ensures that when the molding process occurs, the grounding plates are already in their final positions, eliminating positioning errors that would occur with sequential assembly after molding.
2Ease of manufacture
If grounding plates are assembled after insert-molding, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the rigidity of the final product deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding plate assembly process is merged with the insert-molding process by performing the grounding plate attachment before molding. The latching hooks engage with the root section, and then the entire assembly (terminal module + grounding plates) is molded together in one operation. This merging ensures that the grounding plates become an integrated part of the final product, enhancing rigidity while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
3Productivity
If grounding plates are assembled sequentially after molding, then the production flow is faster, but the appearance quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding plates are preliminarily assembled with correct positioning before the molding process. This preliminary positioning action ensures that the grounding plates are in their final appearance-critical positions before the cosmetic molding occurs. The latching hooks are engaged with the root section, establishing precise positioning that will be preserved through the molding process, thus ensuring high appearance quality.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes a terminal module unit with contacts and grounding plates thereof. The terminal module includes an insulative base and an insulative mating tongue forwardly extending therefrom. The mating tongue forms opposite mating surfaces. The contacts includes the contacting sections on the mating surfaces and the connecting legs. The mating tongue includes a root section adjacent to the base. The grounding plates unit covers the root section in an embedded manner. The grounding plate includes a planar body exposed upon the mating surface, and a pair of fixing side arms extending from two opposite ends of the planar body and equipped with corresponding latching hooks to secure to the semi-finished root section before the final insert-molding process is applied.