Connector With Metallic Shell And Elastic Lock For FPC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors face challenges with downsizing, leading to reduced strength and workability, requiring complex operations for connection and detachment, and inadequate shielding properties, especially when dealing with flexible printed-circuit boards (FPC) or flexible flat cables (FFC).
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a metallic shell with a lock member and elastic displacement means allows for connection by inserting FPC or FFC without rotating a slider, enhancing shielding and simplifying detachment, while maintaining structural integrity and reducing mounting space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the connector is downsized and thinned to reduce mounting space, then the mounting space is reduced, but the strength of the housing or slider decreases and the part may break
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction by integrating a metallic shell with reinforcing ribs over the insulating housing. The metallic shell provides high strength and rigidity while the insulating housing provides electrical insulation and structural support. This composite approach allows the connector to be thinned and downsized while maintaining sufficient strength through the metallic reinforcement elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into distinct functional segments: an insulating housing for electrical isolation, a metallic shell for structural strength and shielding, and integrated locking mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the housing can be thinned for space savings while the metallic shell provides the necessary strength.
2Volume of moving object
If the connector is downsized and thinned, then the mounting space is reduced, but the formability deteriorates and welds may be generated decreasing strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the shielding function, structural reinforcement, and locking mechanism into an integrated metallic shell assembly. This eliminates the need for separate welding operations to attach shielding components and locking mechanisms, thereby avoiding weld-induced strength reduction while maintaining ease of manufacture through integrated construction.
3Reliability
If a slider is used for connection, then connection can be attained, but the operation becomes troublesome and working space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs a self-locking mechanism where the lock member automatically engages with the connection body upon insertion. The elastic portion of the lock member provides automatic locking without requiring manual slider operation. For detachment, a simple pressing action on the shell activates the releasing portion, causing the lock member to disengage automatically. This self-service approach eliminates complex manual operations while maintaining reliable connection.
4Device complexity
If the connector structure is simplified, then the number of parts is reduced, but the shielding property may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the shielding function with the structural reinforcement and locking mechanism by integrating the metallic shell to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The metallic shell provides electromagnetic shielding, structural reinforcement, and houses the locking mechanism, thereby maintaining excellent shielding properties while reducing the total number of separate components.
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 connector achieves robustness, easy connection and detachment, improved shielding, and reduced operational complexity by using a lock member with elastic deformation, ensuring strength and compactness without increasing part numbers.
Implementation Method 1
a first displacement means facilitating an elastic deformation of the pressure receiving portion
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a required number of contacts, an electrical insulation housing and a metallic shell. A tab is formed in the connector. A pressure receiving portion of the tab is pushed by a pushing portion of the shell to move the pressure receiving portion toward a mounting face of a substrate for applying a force in the insertion of FPC but not applying a force to the tab in the detaching thereof, whereby an engaging portion of the tab is moved in a direction opposing to the mounting face of the substrate to unfasten the engaging portion from an locking portion of the FPC.