Electrical Connector Locking Structure for Structural Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The structural stability of electrical connectors on circuit boards decreases as they are repeatedly used, due to the trend of downsizing electronic devices, leading to potential deformation during plugging and unplugging.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector design includes a protruding portion on the insulating body and a locking hole on the second shell, which locks together to increase the assembly strength, and additional features like a metallic plate and depressed regions to enhance structural integrity, with the second shell being fixed to the insulating body and circuit board via pins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the electrical connector is downsized to reduce device body size, then the size of the electrical connector is reduced, but the structural stability of the electrical connector package on the circuit board decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector is divided into multiple components: an insulating body, a shell with first and second portions, and a locking structure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the insulating body can be compact while the shell and locking structure provide the necessary structural stability and reinforcement against plugging forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking structure extends in a direction opposite to the plugging force direction, adding structural reinforcement in a dimension perpendicular to the main insertion axis. This dimensional addition provides enhanced stability without significantly increasing the connector's footprint area.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the electrical connector is repeatedly used for connecting and plugging, then the number of uses increases, but the structural strength of the electrical connector configurated on the circuit board gradually decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking structure is pre-configured in the insulating body before the connector is assembled and used. This preliminary structural reinforcement is designed to withstand repeated plugging and connecting forces, preventing structural degradation over time without requiring adjustment or maintenance during operation.
3Strength
If the locking hole and protruding portion are locked together, then the assembly strength of the shell and insulating body is increased, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking structure consists of a protruding portion formed on the insulating body and a locking hole formed on the shell, which automatically engage with each other during assembly. This self-locking mechanism eliminates the need for additional fasteners, adhesives, or complex assembly steps, providing strong bonding while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector including an insulating body, a plurality of terminals disposed in the insulating body, a first shell, and a second shell is provided. The insulating body has a front side and a rear side opposite to each other, and has a protruding portion located at the rear side. The first shell is sheathed on the insulating body to form an insertion space located at the front side. The second shell is superposed on the first shell and has a locking hole at the rear side, wherein the protruding portion is locked with the locking hole, such that the second shell is fixed to the insulating body.