Electrical Connector Subassembly for PCB and Cable Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connector assemblies face challenges in efficiently connecting components of different types, such as printed circuit boards and electrical cables, due to the need for precise alignment and mating of multiple connectors, which can lead to complexity and increased insertion loss resonances.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector subassembly includes a first and second electrical connector, each with insulative housings and contacts, configured to be mounted to respective components without initial mating, and supported by a common third connector, utilizing guidance slots and rails for alignment and securement members for attachment, allowing simultaneous mating with the third connector to establish communication between the components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrical connectors are used to connect different types of components, then connectivity between diverse components is achieved, but alignment precision and insertion loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electrical connectors (first electrical connector for PCBs and second electrical connector for cables) into a single integrated assembly that shares a common mounting structure and alignment mechanism. This merging allows diverse components to be connected through a unified interface, maintaining adaptability while improving alignment precision through shared reference features.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure is designed with universal features that can accommodate different types of electrical connectors simultaneously. The common mounting structure provides universal alignment references that work for both PCB-mounted connectors and cable-connectedors, reducing the need for separate alignment mechanisms for each connector type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrical connectors are used to connect different types of components, then connectivity between diverse components is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple connectors into a single integrated assembly with shared mounting structures and alignment features, the patent reduces the number of separate components and assembly steps. This consolidation maintains the ability to connect diverse components while simplifying the overall device structure and reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly is segmented into modular functional units (first electrical connector, second electrical connector, common mounting structure) that can be manufactured separately and assembled together. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual components while achieving complex connectivity functionality when assembled.
3Reliability
If traditional mating methods are used for multiple connectors, then individual connector functionality is achieved, but insertion loss resonances increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary alignment through the common mounting structure and alignment features before the actual mating of electrical contacts. This preliminary positioning ensures that connectors are pre-aligned to precise tolerances, maintaining reliable individual functionality while minimizing misalignment-induced insertion loss resonances during the mating process.
Data Source
AI summary
First and second electrical connectors are configured to be supported by each other prior to being mated to at least one complementary electrical connector. The at least one complementary electrical connector can be a common third electrical connector. The first electrical connector can be configured to be mounted onto a first electrical component of a first type. The second electrical connector can be configured to be mounted onto a second electrical component of a second type that is different than the first type. For instance, one of the first and second electrical components can be a printed circuit board, and the other of the first and second electrical components can include a plurality of electrical cables.