Connector Assembly Locking Structure for Stable Mating Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies face issues with maintaining the reliability of the positional relationship between connectors due to external forces or damage, leading to potential contact loosening and component damage.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly design featuring interlocking locking structures, including elastic locking arms and locking protrusions, along with a metal shell and insulating bodies, to secure the connectors and resist tilting forces, ensuring stable mating and electrical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If locking structures are added to prevent detachment, then mating reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate components: a locking protrusion on the first connector and a corresponding locking cavity on the second connector. This segmentation allows each component to be designed and manufactured independently while working together to provide the locking function, improving reliability without requiring complete redesign of the entire connector assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking structures utilize a dimensional approach by extending the connector bodies with protrusions and cavities in the mating direction. This adds a locking dimension to the basic insertion/extraction function, preventing detachment while maintaining the simplicity of the overall design through straightforward geometric additions.
2Reliability
If connector components are secured against external forces, then contact loosening is prevented, but manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking protrusions and cavities are pre-formed as integral parts of the connector bodies during the molding process. This preliminary action ensures that the anti-loosening function is built-in from manufacturing, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps or additional fastening operations, thus maintaining manufacturing simplicity while ensuring contact stability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If structural strength is enhanced to resist tilting forces, then mating stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design incorporates asymmetric features including an L-shaped guide structure with a first guide portion and a second guide portion at different angles. This asymmetric geometry provides tilting resistance by creating mechanical interference that prevents angular misalignment, while the asymmetry itself is achieved through simple molding operations rather than complex mechanical assemblies.
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 enhances mating reliability by preventing detachment and reducing contact loosening, improving structural strength and signal integrity while allowing for miniaturization of the adapter circuit board.
Implementation Method 1
each first conductive terminal including a first elastic arm, the first elastic arm including a first mating portion extending into the first mating slot
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector includes a first insulating body, a number of first conductive terminals, and an adapter circuit board. The adapter circuit board includes an input end and an output end. The input end includes an input portion electrically connected to the first conductive terminals. The output end includes an insertion portion protruding beyond the first insulating body. The second connector includes a second insulating body and a number of second conductive terminals. The first connector and the second connector further include locking structures to prevent the first connector from being separated from the second connector.