Electrical Connector Latch Geometry for Easier Plugging and Unplugging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latching members in electrical connector assemblies are often positioned inappropriately, making it difficult for users to operate them effectively.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector assembly features a board end connector with a first latching member on a chamfered surface and a wire end connector with a second latching member on a chamfered surface, allowing for easier grasping and operation by aligning with natural hand gestures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If latching members are positioned to enhance structural stability, then the stability of the connector assembly is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to inappropriate positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a chamfered surface at the specific location where the latching member is positioned. This chamfered surface provides a localized operational area that is easier to access and operate, while the rest of the connector structure maintains its stability-enhancing design. The chamfered surface essentially creates a 'zone of ease of operation' without compromising the overall structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces asymmetry through the chamfered surface design, which creates an angled operational surface rather than a symmetric flat surface. This asymmetric geometry naturally guides user interaction and makes the latching operation more intuitive and easier to perform, while the underlying symmetric structure of the connector maintains its stability.
2Reliability
If latching members are positioned for structural stability, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to complex positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The chamfered surface is added only at the specific location where the latching member interacts with the connector, rather than modifying the entire component. This localized approach maintains the overall simple structure of the connector while providing the necessary operational improvement, thus not significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the connector structure is simplified, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the stability of the connector assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds only a minimal chamfered surface feature to the insulative body, which requires very little additional manufacturing effort. This localized modification provides significant operational improvement while maintaining the overall simplicity of the connector structure and its manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of redesigning the entire connector structure to improve operation, the patent applies a partial action by adding only the chamfered surface at the specific location needed. This minimal intervention achieves the desired improvement in ease of operation without excessive manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector assembly includes a board end connector and a wire end connector. The board end connector includes an insulative body and two conductive columns. The wire end connector includes an insulative housing and two conductive members. The insulative body includes a first latching member. The insulative housing includes two accommodating cavities therein. The insulative housing includes a plurality of lateral openings that are interconnected to the two accommodating cavities. A bottom of the insulative housing has a plurality of through holes that are interconnected to the two accommodating cavities. The insulative housing has a first sidewall and a second sidewall. There is a corner area between the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The corner area has a second latching member. The two conductive members are at least partially disposed in the two accommodating cavities, respectively.