Modular Connector Locking Structure for Cable Retention Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modular connectors, such as RJ 45 cable connectors, experience reliability issues due to cable loosening after repeated plugging and unplugging, leading to reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
A modular connector design featuring an insulating body with terminal receiving grooves, a cable module with an insulating block and cables in electrical contact with conductive terminals, and a metal shell with a stop elastic arm that abuts against a protrusion to prevent the insulating block from exiting the installation space, ensuring secure assembly and improved reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the modular connector is designed with a simple structure for ease of assembly, then the assembly process is simplified, but the reliability deteriorates due to cable loosening after repeated plugging and unplugging
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional modules: the insulating body with installation space, the cable module with insulating block, and the metal shell with stop elastic arm. Each segment performs a specific function, allowing for simplified assembly while maintaining reliability through the specialized locking function of the stop elastic arm mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The stop elastic arm is designed as a dynamic component that can deform elastically during assembly and then maintain a fixed position to prevent cable loosening. The elastic arm transitions from a flexible state during assembly to a rigid locking state, providing reliable cable retention without complicating the overall structure
2Ease of operation
If the insulating block is allowed to move freely in the installation space for ease of installation, then the assembly process is simplified, but the reliability deteriorates as the insulating block may exit the installation space causing cable loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The stop elastic arm acts as an intermediary component between the insulating block and the installation space. It provides a controlled restriction that prevents the insulating block from exiting while still allowing for easy insertion during assembly, thus maintaining both ease of installation and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The stop elastic arm changes its physical state from a flexible, deformable condition during assembly to a rigid, position-maintaining condition after assembly. This parameter change allows the system to transition from an easy-installation state to a reliable, fixed-position state
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 solution effectively prevents the insulating block from exiting the installation space, enhancing the reliability and stability of the modular connector by using a stop elastic arm to secure the cable module in place.
Implementation Method 1
a metal shell fixed to the insulating body, the metal shell including a stop elastic arm protruding into the installation space; wherein the insulating block includes a terminal mounting surface, a cable mounting surface, a plurality of slots extending through the terminal mounting surface, a plurality of cable installation grooves extending through the cable mounting surface, and a protrusion; the slots are arranged in alignment with corresponding terminal receiving grooves and communicate with each other; the cable installation grooves communicate with corresponding slots; and the stop elastic arm is configured to abut against the protrusion so as to prevent the insulating block from exiting the installation space
Data Source
AI summary
A module connector includes an insulating body, a number of conductive terminals, a cable module and a metal shell. The insulating body includes a mating surface, an installation surface and an installation space extending through the installation surface. The cable module includes an insulating block and a number of cables fixed to the insulating block. The insulating block is received in the installation space. The cables are in electrical contact with the conductive terminals. The metal shell is fixed to the insulating body. The metal shell includes a stop elastic arm extending into the installation space. The insulating block includes a protrusion. The stop elastic arm is configured to abut against the protrusion so as to prevent the insulating block from exiting the installation space. An assembly method of the module connector is also disclosed.