Integrated Latching Electrical Connector with EMI Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors are cumbersome due to a large number of assembly parts, complex designs, and inadequate mating features, which complicate manufacturing and repair processes while offering insufficient retention of mated configurations.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, compact electrical connector with a reduced number of assembly parts, featuring a clamshell housing with integrated EMI shielding and a streamlined latching system that includes a clamshell housing with cantilevered tangs for enhanced mating retention and a latch device with a resilient biasing member for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional electrical connectors use multiple assembly parts including lever arms, springs, pins, and screws for latching mechanisms, then secure latching and retention is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the latching mechanism directly into the housing structure by forming latch members as integral portions of the housing walls. This merging of previously separate components (latch members and housing) reduces the number of assembly parts while maintaining secure latching functionality through the resilient engagement of molded-in latch members with corresponding catches on mating connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, EMI shielding through conductive coating, and integrated latching through molded-in latch members. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate latching components, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining reliable connection retention.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional electrical connectors include separate metal shields or foil inserts for EMI shielding, then electromagnetic interference protection is achieved, but device complexity and assembly parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a conductive coating directly to the housing surface, merging the EMI shielding function with the housing structure itself. This eliminates the need for separate metal shields or foil inserts, reducing the number of assembly parts while maintaining effective EMI protection through the continuous conductive layer on the housing exterior.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing combines plastic material with a conductive coating to create a composite structure that provides both mechanical support and EMI shielding properties. This composite approach integrates multiple functions (structural integrity and electromagnetic protection) into a single component, reducing overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If traditional electrical connectors use complex latching mechanisms with multiple parts, then secure retention is achieved, but ease of manufacture and repair deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The latch members are molded as integral portions of the housing walls, combining previously separate latching components with the housing structure. This integration simplifies manufacturing to a single molding process and enables straightforward repair by replacing entire housing assemblies rather than individual latching parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient latch members automatically engage with catches on mating connectors through spring-loaded action, eliminating the need for manual assembly operations or specialized tools. This self-latching mechanism simplifies both manufacturing and field assembly while maintaining secure retention.
4Reliability
If traditional electrical connectors are designed with multiple assembly parts, then functional requirements are met, but weight and compactness worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions (housing, EMI shielding, and latching mechanism) into a single molded housing structure with molded-in latch members. This consolidation eliminates the weight of separate metal shields, foil inserts, and discrete latching components, reducing overall connector weight while maintaining all required functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of plastic housing material with conductive coating replaces heavier traditional metal shields and multiple metal latching parts. This material substitution significantly reduces connector weight while maintaining EMI protection and latching functionality through the integrated design.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution simplifies manufacturing and repair processes, provides improved mating retention through cantilevered tangs and a secure latching mechanism, while maintaining effective EMI shielding and strain relief, resulting in a more efficient and reliable electrical connector.
Implementation Method 1
a latch device with a resilient biasing member for secure engagement
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes an electrically conductive housing for inhibiting electromagnetic interference. A latch device is mounted to opposite sides of the housing and extends from the housing for positively latching together the electrical connector with a mating connector. The latch device includes a biasing member for driving a latching end of the latch device toward a catch of the mating connector to securely retain the connectors in a mated configuration. The housing further includes a skirt on a mating end, the skirt having a plurality of cantilevered tangs for bearing against a corresponding skirt of the mating connector.