Electrical Connector Module with Angled Rail and Snap Finger

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical connector modules lack a modular and configurable design that ensures secure and precise mounting to a housing, leading to inconsistent connections and assembly challenges in electronic devices.

Innovation Solution

An electrical connector module with a frame having angled rail sections and a snap finger, which slides into a dove-tail slot and snaps behind the housing, providing continuous force for secure retention and precise placement, combined with L-shaped contact terminals for reliable mechanical and electrical connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing electrical connector modules are used, then manufacturing and assembly are simpler, but mounting security and connection precision are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting securityVSAvoidconnector structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector module is divided into distinct functional components: a frame structure with mounting sections, electrical contact terminals, and a housing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical contact terminals are mounted within the frame structure, which itself is received within the housing. The angled rail sections are nested within the dove-tail slot, creating a hierarchical nesting arrangement that ensures precise positioning and secure retention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Manufacturing precision

If existing electrical connector modules are used, then device complexity is lower, but assembly precision and connection consistency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting precisionVSAvoidmounting structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting structure employs asymmetric features including angled rail sections at specific angles, a dove-tail slot with asymmetric geometry, and a snap finger positioned at a rear end. These asymmetric elements provide precise geometric constraints that ensure consistent and accurate mounting positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The angled rail sections are configured with specific angles that change the geometric parameters of the mounting interface. This parameter optimization enables precise angular alignment and secure engagement within the dove-tail slot, improving mounting precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If existing electrical connector modules are used, then manufacturing is easier, but connection reliability and secure retention worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The snap finger is pre-configured in the frame structure to automatically engage with the housing upon insertion. This preliminary positioning ensures that secure retention is achieved automatically during assembly without requiring additional fastening operations, maintaining ease of manufacture while improving connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The angled rail sections and snap finger work together to automatically secure the frame within the housing through self-aligning geometric constraints and automatic engagement mechanisms, eliminating the need for external fastening operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2160802B1Electrical connector module
Publication Date: 2013.07.17 DELPHI INT OPERATIONS LUXEMBOURG SARL
  • EP2160802B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2160802B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2160802B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An electrical connector module including a plurality of electrical contact terminals; and a frame adapted to be attached to a housing. The electrical contact terminals are connected to the frame and have opposite ends which extend away from the frame in two respective different directions. The frame includes a plug section adapted to be mechanically plugged into the housing and a resiliently deflectable snap finger adapted to snap-lock behind a portion of the housing.