Electrical Connector Slider Latch for Low-Profile Mating Assist
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors require bulky mating assist devices that occupy space and increase the overall size of the connector system, necessitating a need for a low-profile mating assist mechanism.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a slider mechanism within the electrical connector that is slidable and includes a slider post to assist in mating, allowing for a low-profile design while providing mechanical assistance during connector alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If bulky mating assist devices are used to provide mechanical assistance during mating, then the mating force is reduced, but the connector size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mating assist function is segmented from the main connector body and implemented through a separate slider component that moves independently within a dedicated slot. This allows the mating assist mechanism to be activated only when needed during the mating process, rather than being a permanently bulky structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The slider is designed to be movable within the slider slot, transitioning between retracted and extended positions. During mating, the slider dynamically extends to provide mechanical assistance by engaging the guide track, then retracts to minimize space occupation when not in use.
2Volume of moving object
If a low-profile design is implemented to reduce connector size, then the connector volume is reduced, but the ability to provide mechanical assistance during mating is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The slider is nested within the connector housing and moves along a defined path within the slider slot. When retracted, the slider occupies minimal space within the housing cavity. When activated, it extends outward to engage the guide track on the mating connector, providing mechanical assistance without permanently increasing the connector's external dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The slider moves in a direction transverse to the mating direction, utilizing a different dimensional space within the connector housing. This allows the mating assist function to be achieved without increasing the connector's profile in the mating direction, maintaining a low-profile design while providing operational assistance.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes a housing having walls forming a cavity that receives a mating electrical connector. The walls include a base wall, side walls, and end walls. The base wall includes contact channels. The first side wall includes a slider slot open to the cavity. The electrical connector includes contacts held in the contact channels. The electrical connector includes a slider received in the slider slot and movable in a sliding direction within the slider slot. The slider includes a slider post extending into the cavity and movable within the cavity as the slider moves in the sliding direction. The slider post is configured to be received in a guide track of the mating electrical connector to locate the mating electrical connector within the cavity of the housing.