Electrical Connector Latch Mechanism for Secure Package Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors with latches fail to reliably secure electronic packages during shock and vibration tests due to inadequate clamping force.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector design featuring an insulative base with contacts, a cover that moves horizontally between open and closed positions, and latches on both the cover and base to securely lock an electronic package, utilizing an active device like a lever to ensure automatic locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If only clamping force of contacts is used to hold the electronic package, then the structure is simple, but the reliability is insufficient during shock and vibration tests
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into functional modules: base, cover, active device, and latch mechanism. The latch mechanism itself is segmented into first latch (on cover) and second latch (on base), allowing independent operation and clearer functional distribution to achieve reliable locking without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The first latch on the cover performs preliminary locking of the electronic package before the cover moves to the closed position. This preliminary action ensures the package is secured early in the process, and the second latch on the base provides final confirmation of proper installation
2Productivity
If manual locking operation is used, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity is reduced due to manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The active device automatically drives the cover from the open position to the closed position, and the latch mechanism automatically engages the first and second latches during this movement. The system performs the locking action itself without requiring manual intervention, significantly improving assembly productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is designed to move dynamically between open and closed positions, driven by the active device. This dynamic movement enables automatic engagement of the latch mechanism, transforming a static manual locking process into an automated dynamic system
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes an electrical connector used for locking an electronic package, comprises an insulative base having a plurality of contacts. A cover is mounted upon the base. An active device is mounted between the base and the cover for driving the cover moving horizontally along the base in an open position and a closed position. The cover and the base respectively have a first latch and a second latch disposed in a direction moving by the cover for locking the electronic package.