Connector Locking Plate Orientation for Joining Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional board connectors face issues with insufficient joining strength between the locking member and housing, easy release of the locking mechanism, and difficulty in applying welding due to miniaturization and narrowing pitch, leading to potential damage and unreliable connections.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a locking mechanism with a flat plate-like locking plate oriented in the locking direction, integrated retaining portions, and a groove structure that eliminates gaps and ensures secure engagement, allowing for increased joining and locking strength while accommodating miniaturization and pitch narrowing through insert-molding and chamfered features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the locking member is press-fitted into the housing with the end face oriented in the locking direction, then the locking mechanism can be formed, but the joining strength between the locking member and housing cannot be sufficiently ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The locking plate is rotated 90 degrees so that its normal direction is oriented in the locking direction instead of the press-fitting direction. This dimensional reorientation allows the locking force to be applied perpendicular to the press-fitting direction, maximizing both joining strength and locking strength simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is divided into distinct components: the locking plate with its normal direction oriented in the locking direction, and the retaining portion that is integrated with the housing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity
2Ease of manufacture
If a gap is formed between the locking member and housing during press-fitting, then the locking mechanism can be assembled, but the mating locking member may enter the gap to damage the housing
Solution Approach 1:
The groove portion is designed with a bottom surface that provides a stop for the locking plate. This beforehand cushioning prevents the locking plate from being pressed too deeply into the housing and eliminates gaps that could allow the mating locking member to enter and damage the housing
Solution Approach 2:
The groove portion acts as an intermediary structure between the locking plate and the housing. It provides a controlled interface that guides the locking plate during assembly, prevents excessive insertion, and eliminates harmful gaps without requiring complex alignment mechanisms
3Ease of manufacture
If the locking portion is insert-molded so that the end face is oriented in the locking direction, then the locking mechanism can be formed, but it is difficult to make large the locking area resulting in insufficient locking amount
Solution Approach 1:
The locking plate is reoriented so its normal direction aligns with the locking direction, transforming the locking interface from an end-face contact to a broad surface contact. This dimensional change dramatically increases the locking area and locking strength while maintaining the simplicity of insert-molding manufacturing
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a connector having a locking mechanism that can ensure both the joining strength between a housing and a locking portion and the locking strength and that can cope with pitch narrowing and miniaturization. A plug connector comprises a plug-side housing, plug-side contacts provided to the plug-side housing and adapted to be electrically connected to a receptacle connector, and plug-side locking portions provided to the plug-side housing and adapted to maintain a connected state of the plug connector and the receptacle connector. The plug-side locking portions each comprise a locking plate having a flat plate-like shape and provided so that the normal direction of the plane of the flat plate is oriented in a locking direction with the receptacle connector, and retaining portions provided to the locking plate and formed so as to be integrated with the plug-side housing.