Reinforcing Metal Fitting Protrusion for Board-to-Board Connector
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing board-to-board connectors face issues with deformation of reinforcing metal fittings during mating and unmating, leading to reliability concerns due to uneven force distribution.
Innovation Solution
The connector design incorporates an engaging protruding portion on the reinforcing metal fitting that protrudes from the wall surface of the mating guide portion, with the surrounding area covered by insulating material, to distribute forces evenly and prevent deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the side engaging protruding portion is positioned closer to the board connecting portion for better connection, then the connection reliability is improved, but the side engaging piece is subjected to more force during unmating causing deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the engaging protruding portion at a different spatial location - specifically at the end of the side engaging piece rather than closer to the board connecting portion. This dimensional repositioning changes the force distribution pattern, allowing the protruding portion to engage with the mating connector's recessed portion in a way that distributes unmating forces along the entire side engaging piece rather than concentrating them near the board connection point.
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging protruding portion is designed to engage with the mating connector's recessed portion before the main body of the connectors come into contact during the mating process. This preliminary engagement establishes a force distribution pattern that prevents excessive force from being applied to the side engaging piece during subsequent unmating operations, thereby preventing deformation while maintaining connection reliability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the reinforcing metal fitting is made more rigid to prevent deformation, then the structural stability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing metal fitting is segmented into distinct functional portions: the board connecting portion, the side engaging piece, and the engaging protruding portion. Each segment is optimized for its specific function, allowing the structure to achieve necessary stability without requiring the entire fitting to be overly rigid. The segmentation enables simpler manufacturing of individual components that can be assembled or formed in a more straightforward process.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the reinforcing metal fitting have different structural characteristics optimized for their local functions. The board connecting portion has one structural configuration optimized for secure mounting, while the side engaging piece has another configuration optimized for engagement, and the engaging protruding portion has a specific shape for interfacing with the mating connector. This local optimization achieves overall structural stability without requiring uniform high rigidity throughout the entire component, thereby simplifying manufacturing.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector is provided which includes a connector main body, terminals mounted in the connector main body, and a reinforcing metal fitting mounted in the connector main body. The connector main body includes mating guide portions formed at both ends longitudinally. The mating guide portions configured to mate with mating guide portions of another connector. The reinforcing metal fitting including an engaging protruding portion whose leading end portion is configured to engage with an engaging portion on the other connector. A portion of the reinforcing metal fitting, which portion includes at least the leading end portion of the engaging protruding portion, protrudes from a wall surface of one of the mating guide portions.