Electrical Connector Locking Plate Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors lack a reliable locking mechanism to prevent the locking plate from jumping upward or moving backward during mounting or mating, which can damage connections between terminals and circuit board pads or holes, affecting electrical transportation and connection reliability.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector features symmetrically disposed locking structures with a platform, vertical fastener passage, horizontal holding passage, and vertical block, along with an L-type locking plate, which includes a horizontal locking portion, vertical locking portion, and locking foot, to securely fix the connector on a circuit board by preventing upward and backward movement during mounting and mating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If welding force or interference force is used to fix the electrical connector on the circuit board, then the connector can be mounted, but the connection cannot ensure mounting safety and may be damaged by insertion force
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate components: a locking plate with locking feet and locking portions, and corresponding locking structures on the circuit board. This segmentation allows the locking function to be independent from the welding connection, providing enhanced reliability without compromising connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking plate is preliminarily positioned on the circuit board before final assembly. The locking feet engage with the locking structures in advance, creating a pre-secured connection that prevents displacement during subsequent welding or mating operations, thereby ensuring mounting safety.
2Device complexity
If no locking structure is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the locking plate cannot be prevented from jumping upward or moving backward
Solution Approach 1:
The locking structures are implemented locally at specific positions on the circuit board where locking is required, rather than using a complex overall locking mechanism. The locking feet and locking portions are strategically placed to prevent upward and backward movement, providing reliable locking with minimal added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex active locking mechanism that requires actuation, the design uses a passive locking approach where the locking plate's own structure (locking feet) automatically engages with the locking structures on the circuit board. This inverted approach simplifies the overall device while ensuring locking reliability.
3Reliability
If a locking structure is added to protect the electrical connection, then the mounting safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is merged with the existing connector structure. The locking plate is integrated with the connector assembly, and the locking structures are formed as part of the circuit board layout. This merging approach provides mounting safety without requiring separate, complex locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking plate serves dual functions: it provides electrical connection through its terminals and simultaneously provides locking protection through its locking feet. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate locking components, improving mounting safety while minimizing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector with locking structures is disclosed. The electrical connector comprises an insulation housing, two locking plates, multiple power terminals and multiple signal terminals. The insulation housing forms two locking structures, each of which includes a platform, a vertical fastener passage, a horizontal holding passage and a vertical block. There forms a gap between the vertical block and a bottom support wall of the holding passage. Each locking plate is an L type and has a horizontal locking portion, a vertical locking portion and a locking foot. The horizontal locking portion is fixed in the holding passage, the vertical locking portion is clamped in the gap, and the locking foot is used to fix the electrical connector on a circuit board. The locking structure can ensure the locking plate to be fixed on a preset position, thereby protecting the electrical connector when using.