Connector Housing Structure for Cable Force Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies are prone to breaking when an external force is applied to the cable, causing stress on the mating parts of the first and second shells.
Innovation Solution
The connector assembly design includes a configuration where the rear end of the second housing abuts the outer circumference of the first housing, and the front end of the first housing abuts the second housing, effectively distributing the applied force and preventing the mating parts from breaking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the connector assembly uses a simple housing structure without additional abutment features, then the device complexity is reduced, but the strength and reliability of the mating parts deteriorate when external force is applied to the cable
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into distinct functional regions: the first housing with its front end for mating connections, the second housing with its rear end for cable support, and the intermediate portion for force distribution. This segmentation allows each segment to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The force distribution mechanism extends along the longitudinal axis of the connector assembly, utilizing the length dimension to create abutment surfaces at different positions (front end of first housing, rear end of second housing). This dimensional approach distributes stress over a longer path, reducing peak stresses on mating parts.
2Reliability
If the connector assembly includes abutment surfaces at the front end of the first housing and rear end of the second housing, then the reliability of the mating parts is improved under external force, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The abutment surfaces are merged with the existing housing structures rather than being separate components. The front end of the first housing and rear end of the second housing serve dual purposes: structural housing functions and force distribution abutments. This integration reduces the number of precision-critical interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure itself provides the force distribution function through its geometric design. The abutment surfaces are formed as integral parts of the housing, allowing the housing to serve its own reinforcement function without requiring additional precision-machined components or assemblies.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the connector assembly distributes external force through abutment surfaces on the housing, then the harmful effects of external force on mating parts are reduced, but the device complexity increases due to additional structural features
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structure exhibits local quality variations with reinforced abutment surfaces positioned specifically at the front end of the first housing and rear end of the second housing. These localized structural features provide force distribution exactly where needed, rather than requiring uniform reinforcement throughout the entire housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The external force applied to the cable, which would normally be harmful to the mating parts, is converted into a beneficial compressive force on the housing structure. The abutment surfaces redirect this force through the housing walls, transforming the harmful lateral stress into beneficial axial compression that strengthens rather than weakens the assembly.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A connector assembly comprises a first connector and a second connector. The first connector comprises a first inner structure and a first housing. The first inner structure comprises a first connector main body. The second connector comprises a second inner structure and a second housing. The second inner structure comprises a second connector main body. The second connector main body comprises a plurality of second terminals, a second holding member and a second shell. The second connector main body is mated with the first connector main body under a mated state where the first connector and the second connector are mated with each other. A distance from a front end of the first housing to a rear end of the second shell is shorter than a distance from a rear end of the second housing to the rear end of the second shell in a front-rear direction under the mated state.