Connector Guide Rods Prevent Oblique Insertion Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors face challenges in precise docking due to lack of effective guiding structures, leading to potential damage from oblique insertion, which increases docking time and reduces connector lifespan.
Innovation Solution
The connector incorporates guide rods and a flexible piece with gold fingers, embedded in an insulating housing, to ensure straight alignment and prevent offset angles during docking, using an insert molding method for stability and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If no guiding structure is provided in connectors, then the docking structure is simple, but the docking precision deteriorates and terminals are prone to damage from oblique insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding function is segmented into multiple guide rods distributed around the connector body, with each guide rod independently positioned to provide guidance from different directions. This segmentation allows the guiding structure to be added without requiring a complete redesign of the connector, thereby improving docking precision while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Guide rods are introduced as intermediary elements between the connector body and the mating connector. These guide rods act as mediators that guide the docking process, ensuring proper alignment before the main connector bodies engage, thus preventing oblique insertion damage without complicating the main connector structure.
2Measurement precision
If a single guide surface structure is used, then the device complexity is low, but the guiding accuracy is insufficient and docking failure still occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The single guide surface is segmented into multiple guide rods positioned at different locations around the connector. Each guide rod provides independent guidance, and their combined effect achieves higher guiding accuracy than a single surface could provide, while the modular nature keeps the overall complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding function transitions from a two-dimensional guide surface to a three-dimensional arrangement of multiple guide rods positioned at different heights and locations. This dimensional change provides guidance from multiple angles and planes, significantly improving guiding accuracy while distributing the structural complexity across multiple simple elements rather than one complex surface.
3Reliability
If connectors are docked without proper guidance, then the docking operation is fast, but terminal damage occurs and connector lifespan is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rods perform preliminary guidance action before the main connector bodies engage. By establishing proper alignment in advance through the guide rods, the docking process becomes more reliable and prevents terminal damage, while the guidance is so effective that it actually speeds up the docking process by preventing misalignment issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rods provide preliminary anti-action against oblique insertion by guiding the connectors into proper alignment before engagement. This preliminary counter-action prevents the harmful oblique insertion force from reaching the terminals, protecting them from damage while maintaining efficient docking operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes an insulating housing, a circuit board, a flexible piece, and a plurality of guide rods. The circuit board has a front end configured to dock with a docking connector, a back end distal to the front end, and a plurality of gold fingers disposed at the front end. The back end is embedded in the insulating housing and the front end is extended outwardly from the insulating housing such that each gold finger is exposed at a surface of the circuit board. The flexible piece is installed at a top surface of the insulating housing. The flexible piece is used to engage with the docking connector. Each gold finger can be electrically connected to the docking connector. Each guide rod is disposed at two opposite sides of the insulating housing. Each guide rod extends outwardly towards the docking connector.