Connector Latch with Resilient Arms for Mating Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Serial ATA connectors often disengage during operation due to inadequate mating stability between the connectors.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector design featuring an elongated insulative housing with slots and a latch having resilient arms and bevel projections, which securely engages with a mating connector by fitting between protrusions on the mating tongues, ensuring firm connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional Serial ATA connector is used, then the connector structure is simple, but the connector disengages during operation due to inadequate mating stability
Solution Approach 1:
The latch is designed with resilient arms that can elastically deform to accommodate the bevel projections during insertion, then lock into place to provide dynamic retention force preventing disengagement during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The latch is divided into two separate arms with a groove between them, allowing each arm to independently engage with corresponding bevel projections on the mating connector, providing distributed locking points that enhance overall mating stability
2Reliability
If a latch with two arms and bevel projections is added to improve mating stability, then the connector reliability increases, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch is integrally formed with the insulative housing as a single piece, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps for the latch component. The groove between the two arms is formed directly during molding, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining the dual-arm locking functionality
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 provides a stable and secure mating mechanism that prevents disengagement, ensuring reliable electrical connection between the connectors.
Implementation Method 1
the latch has two arms separated by a groove thereby providing resiliency
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes an elongated insulative housing and a plurality of terminals retained in the housing. The housing defines a mating face, a rear wall opposite to the mating face, two slots opening to the mating face and arranged side by side. A plurality of terminals are secured in the insulative housing. Each terminal defines a contact portion exposing to the corresponding slot. A latch integrally extends from the rear wall forwardly and is located between the two slots, the latch has two arms separated by a groove thereby providing resiliency.