Electric Connector Latch Relocation to Cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric connectors with latches face challenges in reducing volume due to the need for increased thickness of the insulative seat to prevent the latch end from contacting the circuit board, which complicates the design and increases the connector's size.
Innovation Solution
The electric connector design incorporates a flexible arm latch with an actuating slider and elastic member, allowing the latch to be fixed to the cover rather than the main body, eliminating the need for additional structure in the main body and reducing its thickness, while maintaining secure connection through a hook mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the thickness of the insulative seat is increased to prevent the latch end from contacting the circuit board, then the latch can be securely fixed, but the volume of the electric connector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch fixing position is moved from the main body to the cover, utilizing the vertical dimension and the space between the cover and main body. This allows the latch to be securely fixed without increasing the thickness of the main body, thereby resolving the contradiction between latch security and connector volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulative seat is divided into two parts: the main body and the cover. The latch is fixed to the cover rather than the main body, allowing independent optimization of each component. This segmentation enables the main body to maintain its original thickness while the cover provides the additional space needed for secure latch fixation.
2Ease of manufacture
If the insulative seat thickness is increased to facilitate insert trough formation, then the latch can be properly positioned, but the connector becomes more complex and larger
Solution Approach 1:
The insert trough is formed in the cover rather than the main body, utilizing the vertical dimension and the space between the cover and main body. This allows proper latch positioning and insert trough formation without increasing the thickness of the main body, thereby reducing connector complexity while maintaining manufacturability.
3Strength
If the latch is fixed to the main body, then the latch can be securely mounted, but additional structure must be added to the main body increasing its thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mounting position is relocated from the main body to the cover, utilizing the vertical dimension and the space between the cover and main body. This allows secure latch mounting through the cover without increasing the thickness of the main body, resolving the contradiction between mounting security and main body dimensions.
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
This design effectively reduces the thickness and volume of the electric connector while ensuring secure connection and disconnection without additional structural complexity in the main body, enhancing usability and compactness.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic member is capable of pushing the actuating portion toward the cover to make the hook return to a locking position projecting from the through hole
Data Source
AI summary
An electric connector includes an insulative seat, a circuit board, a flat cable, a latch and an actuating slider. The insulative seat includes a main body and a cover. An action room and a sliding trough are formed between the cover and the main body. The circuit board is received in the main body. The circuit board is extended with a tongue having printed terminals. An end of the flat cable is embedded in the main body and electrically connected to the printed terminals. The latch is received in the action room. The latch has a root with an insert and an extremity with a hook, respectively. The latch has an actuating portion with an elastic member. The actuating slider is received in the insulative seat and is slidable along the sliding trough. The acting slider pushes the actuating portion away from the cover to make the hook retract.