Connector Shell Structure With Equal-Width Protruding Pieces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connectors have increased costs due to differing widths of their protruding pieces, which complicates manufacturing.

Innovation Solution

A connector design where the first and second protruding pieces have the same width, allowing for simplified manufacturing and assembly with a built-in circuit board and optical fiber connection, reducing production costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the first protruding piece and the second protruding piece have different widths, then the connector can achieve specific functional requirements, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by making the first protruding piece and the second protruding piece have different widths along the third direction. This asymmetric design allows each protruding piece to perform specific functions - the first protruding piece engages with the mating connector while the second protruding piece provides structural support and positioning. The different widths enable optimized functional performance while maintaining manufacturability through standard molding processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Reliability

If the first protruding piece and the second protruding piece have different widths, then specific functional requirements are met, but the production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional performanceVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the width dimension of the protruding pieces along the third direction. The first protruding piece has a first width while the second protruding piece has a second width that is different from the first width. This parameter variation allows optimization of functional performance while the dimensions are still within standard manufacturing tolerances, enabling cost-effective production through conventional molding techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If the first protruding piece and the second protruding piece have the same width, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but functional requirements may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidfunctional performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by giving different width dimensions to different protruding pieces based on their specific functional requirements. The first protruding piece has a first width optimized for engagement with the mating connector, while the second protruding piece has a second width optimized for structural support. This localized differentiation ensures each component performs its function optimally while the overall design remains cost-effective through efficient manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11784446B2Connector with improved shell
Publication Date: 2023.10.10 DONGGUAN LUXSHARE TECH CO LTD
  • US11784446B2 patent drawing
  • US11784446B2 patent drawing
  • US11784446B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A connector includes a first shell, a second shell, a tongue plate and a number of conductive pads. The first shell includes a first protruding piece extending along a first direction. The second shell includes a second protruding piece extending along the first direction. The tongue plate is located between the first protruding piece and the second protruding piece in a second direction. The tongue plate includes a mating surface. The plurality of conductive pads are provided on the tongue plate and exposed to the mating surface. The first protruding piece has a first width in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. The second protruding piece has a second width along the third direction. The first width is the same as the second width. As a result, the connector is easy to manufacture, thereby reducing the cost of the connector.