Plug Connector Side-Step Structure for Compact High-Pin Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for smaller connector sets with more pins in electronic equipment has made it difficult to remove plug connectors from receptacle connectors due to size reduction and increased pin density.
Innovation Solution
A plug connector design featuring a housing with a lock mechanism and side portions, allowing for easy removal using a tool that operates on specific step portions, facilitating the unlocking and extraction process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the connector set is reduced in size and the number of pins is increased, then the electrical connection capability is improved, but the difficulty of removing the plug connector from the receptacle connector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into a base portion and side portions, with the side portions providing step portions that serve as dedicated interfaces for removal tools. This segmentation allows the connector to maintain a compact, high-density pin structure while incorporating specialized removal features without increasing overall size.
Solution Approach 2:
A removal tool acts as an intermediary between the operator and the locked connector. The tool engages with the step portions on the side portions to apply unlocking force to the lock mechanism, enabling removal of compact connectors that would otherwise be too difficult to extract by hand.
2Volume of moving object
If the connector set is reduced in size, then the space efficiency is improved, but the difficulty of removing the plug connector from the receptacle connector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The side portions extend laterally from the base portion, creating step portions that protrude outward. This dimensional extension provides accessible engagement points for removal tools without increasing the overall insertion volume or depth of the connector, allowing easy removal while maintaining compact size.
Solution Approach 2:
The step portions are pre-formed as integral features of the housing structure before assembly. These step portions are positioned to automatically align with the receptacle connector body, providing immediate tool engagement points that facilitate removal without requiring additional components or assembly steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A plug connector includes a housing and multiple plug terminals. The housing has at least a base portion housing the multiple plug terminals, and a lock mechanism, and a pair of side portions each provided on both right and left sides of the base portion. At each of the side portions in a pair, a step portion is formed. In a state in which the plug connector is fitted in the receptacle connector, side surfaces of the step portions face the receptacle connector through a clearance, and front surfaces of the side portions are closer to the receptacle connector than the side surfaces of the step portions are to the receptacle connector.