High-Speed Data Connector Assembly With Snap-Lock Vibration Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing high-speed data connector assemblies face challenges in secure and easy assembly, with a need for reliable closure that maintains integrity during operation, particularly in environments with vibrations.

Innovation Solution

A high-speed data connector assembly featuring a first and second insulating half shell with snap and locking mechanisms, allowing secure snapping and shifting in one direction while locking against movement in another, along with rib structures to balance impedance and conductors, and fixing elements for stable electrical connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If snap means are used to connect the first insulating half shell and the second insulating half shell, then the assembly process becomes easier and faster, but the closure may not be sufficiently secure against vibrations and movements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly processVSAvoidclosure security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connector assembly is divided into two separate insulating half shells that are assembled together. Each half shell can be independently manufactured and assembled, allowing for easier production and assembly while maintaining secure connection through the snap means and locking mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection mechanism transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic assembly process. The snap means allows for easy assembly by snapping the half shells together, while the locking means provides subsequent security against vibrations and movements, combining ease of operation with reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the first insulating half shell and the second insulating half shell are securely locked against movement, then the closure remains secure during operation, but the assembly process becomes more complex and difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclosure securityVSAvoidassembly mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Two separate insulating half shells are combined to form the complete insulating structure. This merging approach allows for simpler individual components that are easier to manufacture and assemble, while the combination provides the necessary security and integrity when locked together

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating structure is segmented into two half shells that can be independently handled during assembly. This segmentation simplifies the assembly process compared to working with a single complex piece, while the locking mechanism ensures secure connection when assembled

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If locking means are added to prevent movement in the second direction, then the connector assembly becomes resistant to vibrations, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration resistanceVSAvoidconnector structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system incorporates dynamic elements that allow for easy assembly through snap means, then transition to a locked state for vibration resistance. The locking means engages to prevent movement in the second direction, providing vibration resistance without requiring a completely complex structural design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4462608B1High-speed data connector assembly
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 APTIV TECHNOLOGIES AG
  • EP4462608B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4462608B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4462608B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A high-speed data connector assembly may include a first insulating half shell having at least two clamping receptacles, at least two electrical terminals inserted in the clamping receptacles, a second insulating half shell complementary to the first half shell, snap means configured to snap the first insulating half shell onto the second insulating half shell in a first direction while still allowing a shifting of the second insulating half shell relative to the first insulating half shell in a second direction transverse to the first direction, and locking means configured to lock the first insulating half shell and the second insulating half shell against a movement in the second direction.