Cable Connector Latch Assembly for Secure Contact Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable connectors face challenges in cost-effective and reliable manufacturing and assembly due to difficulties in retaining contacts within the outer shell, often resulting in latch damage during assembly.
Innovation Solution
A cable connector design featuring an outer shell with latch pockets, a deflectable latch with an interference bump that engages the shield to secure the contact holder, reducing latch damage and improving assembly efficiency by varying the chamber widths to ease the loading process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a retainer with latch is used to hold contacts within the outer shell, then contact retention is improved, but the latch may be damaged during assembly as it is pressed against the outer shell
Solution Approach 1:
The latch is pre-deflected to a second position before engagement, storing elastic energy and positioning the latch head for proper insertion into the latch pocket. This preliminary action prevents the latch from being pressed against the outer shell during assembly, avoiding damage while ensuring secure contact retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch is designed as a deflectable elastic element that can dynamically change position between a first position (during assembly), a second position (pre-engagement), and a latched position (after engagement). This dynamic behavior allows the latch to adapt during assembly and operation, preventing damage while maintaining retention.
2Ease of operation
If the latch is pressed against the outer shell during assembly, then the contact holder is secured in the outer shell, but the latch may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The deflectable latch is pre-deflected to a second position that positions the latch head for insertion into the latch pocket before the contact holder is fully inserted. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need to press the latch against the outer shell during assembly, preventing damage while ensuring proper engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The interference bump on the shield acts as an intermediary element that engages the deflectable latch to press the latch head outward into the latch pocket. This intermediary mechanism transfers the securing force without requiring direct pressing of the latch against the outer shell, preventing latch damage.
3Ease of manufacture
If chamber widths are varied to ease the loading process, then assembly is simplified, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The shield divides the bore into chambers with different widths - a first chamber width in a first portion and a second chamber width in a second portion. This local variation in chamber dimensions facilitates easier loading of contacts in specific regions while maintaining overall structural integrity, balancing manufacturing ease with controlled complexity.
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 design enhances the reliability and cost-effectiveness of cable connector assembly by reducing latch damage and simplifying the loading process, ensuring secure contact retention within the outer shell.
Implementation Method 1
The latch has an interference bump at an inner end of the latch configured to engage the shield to press the latching head of the latch outward
Data Source
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AI summary
A cable connector (100) includes an outer shell (110) having a bore (124) extending between a mating end (120) and a cable end (122). The outer shell (110) has latch pockets (134). The cable connector (100) includes a shield (112) received in the outer shell (110) that divides the bore (124) into chambers (144). The cable connector (100) includes contact holders (114) received in corresponding chambers (144). Each contact holder (114) includes at least one contact channel (154) and a deflectable latch (200) having a latching head (210) at a distal end (208) of the latch (200) configured to be received in the corresponding latch pocket (134) of the outer shell (110) to axially secure the contact holder (114) in the outer shell (110). The latch (200) has an interference bump (202) at an inner end (160) of the latch (200) configured to engage the shield (112) to press the latching head (210) of the latch (200) outward. The cable connector (100) includes contacts (106) received in corresponding contact channels (154) of the corresponding contact holders (114).