Electrical Connector Metallic Reinforcing Portion Upheaval Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical connectors are prone to damage due to upheaval of accommodated connection objects, such as flexible printed circuits, which can apply strong forces to the housing, leading to potential damage as the connector height is reduced.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a metallic reinforcing portion in the upper wall of the housing, specifically on the surface where the accommodating portion's opening is formed, to distribute and absorb the force of upheaval, ensuring balanced reception and preventing damage by extending in both width-direction end portions and perpendicular to the connection object's surface, while maintaining the connector's strength and allowing for unhindered insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the height of the electrical connector is reduced, then the compactness and space utilization are improved, but the housing becomes more susceptible to damage from connection object upheaval
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining the insulating housing material with a metallic reinforcing portion. The metallic reinforcing portion is embedded in the upper wall portion of the housing to provide enhanced mechanical strength and resistance against upheaval forces, while the housing maintains its insulating properties. This composite structure allows the connector to have reduced height while maintaining sufficient strength to withstand connection object upheaval.
2Strength
If the metallic reinforcing portion is provided in the upper wall portion, then the resistance to upheaval force is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reinforcing function with the existing housing structure by embedding the metallic reinforcing portion directly into the upper wall portion of the housing. This integration approach combines the structural support function with the housing itself, rather than adding a separate external reinforcement component. The metallic reinforcing portion becomes an integral part of the housing structure, providing upheaval resistance while minimizing additional complexity.
3Force
If the reinforcing portion is provided on the surface where the opening is formed, then the reception of upheaval force is improved, but the insertion of connection object may be hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by strategically positioning the metallic reinforcing portion within the upper wall portion while ensuring it does not protrude into the accommodating portion or opening. The reinforcing portion is localized to specific regions where structural support is needed, such as near the opening edges or in areas subject to upheaval forces, while maintaining clear insertion paths for connection objects. This localized reinforcement provides force reception capability without interfering with the insertion operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes a plurality of conductive terminals, an insulating housing that holds the plurality of conductive terminals and that has an accommodating portion to accommodate a flexible printed circuit provided with a plurality of connection terminal portions electrically connected to the plurality of conductive terminals. A metallic reinforcing portion is located in an upper wall portion of a main body portion of the housing that partitions the accommodating portion.