Electrical Connector Latch With Discrete Hinge Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical connector systems face challenges in reducing size while maintaining mechanical and electrical reliability, especially at smaller contact pitches, and are often expensive and lacking in customization for specific user needs.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector system incorporates a latch with a hinge portion and discrete hinge arms for secure mating and ejection, a connector housing with guiding and securing elements for reduced size, and strain relief with integrated securing elements, allowing for blind mating and reduced overall connector size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If contact pitch is reduced to decrease interconnect size, then the number of electrical connections per unit space increases, but mechanical and electrical reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is divided into discrete hinge arms with individual latch openings, allowing distributed mechanical engagement across multiple points. This segmentation enhances reliability at small pitches by spreading stress across multiple engagement points rather than concentrating it in a single large latch, thereby maintaining mechanical and electrical reliability while accommodating reduced interconnect sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The latch design incorporates hinge arms that extend in directions different from the main arm portion, creating a three-dimensional engagement structure. This dimensional approach allows the latch to engage mating connectors through spaced-apart latch openings in bottom and side walls, providing multi-directional securing that maintains reliability even when contact pitch is reduced
2Reliability
If conventional latch mechanisms are included in scaled down interconnects, then securing function is provided, but overall interconnect size increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is integrated directly into the connector housing structure, with hinge arms and latch openings formed as part of the housing itself rather than as separate components. This merging eliminates the need for additional discrete latch parts, reducing overall interconnect size while maintaining the securing function through the integrated hinge arm structure
Solution Approach 2:
The connector housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, guides mating connectors, and incorporates the latch mechanism with hinge arms and latch openings for securing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate latch components, reducing overall size while maintaining securing capability
3Reliability
If conventional latch mechanisms are included in scaled down interconnects, then securing function is provided, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is combined with the connector housing into a single integrated structure, eliminating the need for separate latch components that would require additional manufacturing steps and assembly operations. This integration reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the securing function through the built-in hinge arm structure
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge arms are configured to automatically engage and disengage mating connectors through the latch openings without requiring external actuation mechanisms. This self-service latch operation eliminates complex control systems and reduces manufacturing cost while providing reliable securing and ejection functions
4Ease of operation
If discrete hinge arms extend in different direction, then ejection through spaced apart latch openings is enabled, but latch structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch is segmented into multiple discrete hinge arms that can be individually configured to extend in different directions. This segmentation enables ejection through spaced-apart latch openings in the bottom and side walls of the connector housing, providing versatile ejection capability while keeping each individual hinge arm structure relatively simple
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 solution enables the creation of smaller, more reliable, and cost-effective electrical connectors that can accommodate various pitch sizes, including 0.050″, 1.0 mm, and 0.5 mm, while ensuring secure connections and easy assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a hinge portion configured to pivotably attach the latch to a connector housing
Data Source
AI summary
A latch for securing and ejecting a mating connector from a connector housing includes a hinge portion configured to pivotably attach the latch to a connector housing, an arm portion extending from a first side of the hinge portion along a first direction, and a pair of discrete spaced apart hinge arms extending from an opposite second side of the hinge portion along a second direction different than the first direction. The hinge arms are configured to eject the mating connector through a pair of corresponding spaced apart latch openings extending through a bottom wall and through side walls of the connector housing.