Board-to-Board Connector Locking Structure Without Edge Space Penalty
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing board-to-board electrical connectors occupy valuable space with buckling components at the edge and require additional unlocking mechanisms that can lead to elastic fatigue and damage to the connector housing.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector assembly features a plug connector with buckling portions on both sides and a receptacle connector with locking components, including a locking member and elastic member, which are pivotally connected and covered by shells to prevent detachment and reduce wear, allowing for secure engagement without occupying additional space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a buckling component is provided on the edge portion of the receptacle connector, then the plug connector can be securely connected, but additional space is occupied at the edge portion for the movement of the buckling component
Solution Approach 1:
The buckling component is nested within the recessed portion of the receptacle connector housing, allowing the component to move and buckle without occupying additional external space. The housing structure provides a cavity that accommodates the buckling movement internally.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the buckling movement from a lateral edge portion to an internal vertical dimension within the recessed portion, effectively utilizing the depth of the connector housing rather than extending the external footprint.
2Reliability
If a metal piece is disposed on the receptacle connector for buckling with the plug connector, then connection is achieved, but the metal piece tends to be elastic fatigue easily and the unlocking member may damage the receptacle insulated housing or metal piece
Solution Approach 1:
The locking component is formed as an integrated structure combining the locking member and elastic member, where the elastic member (such as a spring) provides resilient force to reduce stress concentration and prevent elastic fatigue on the locking member, thereby extending service life.
3Ease of operation
If an additional unlocking member is applied to push the metal piece for detachment, then the connector can be unlocked, but the unlocking member may damage the receptacle insulated housing or metal piece due to repeated contact and elastic fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member automatically provides the force needed to push the locking member into the buckled position with the buckling portion, eliminating the need for an additional unlocking member that could cause damage through repeated contact and elastic fatigue.
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
This design prevents the plug connector from detaching from the receptacle connector, prolongs the service life of the locking member, and prevents deformation by using an elastic force and shell coverage to limit movement, enhancing structural integrity and usability.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the locking components comprises a locking member and an elastic member. The locking member is pivotally connected to the positioning portion, the elastic member is at the positioning portion to push against the locking member
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector assembly includes an electrical plug connector and an electrical receptacle connector corresponding to the electrical plug connector. The electrical plug connector includes a plug insulated housing as well as plug terminals and buckling portions on the plug insulated housing. The electrical receptacle connector includes a receptacle insulated housing as well as receptacle terminals and locking components on the receptacle insulated housing. The locking components at the two sides of the electrical receptacle connector are firmly buckled with the buckling portions at the two sides of the electrical plug connector. Therefore, during the use of the electrical connector assembly, the electrical plug connector can be prevented from detaching off the electrical receptacle connector.