Direct Locking Connector for Flexible Flat Cables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional connectors for flexible flat cables are complex and difficult to assemble without damaging the circuit board or the cable, particularly in miniaturized applications like automotive electronics and smartphones, where quick and secure connections are needed.
Innovation Solution
A connector with a direct locking structure featuring a male part with deformable elastic bodies and a female seat, utilizing restricting grooves and columns, and a clamping plate to securely connect and disconnect the flexible flat cable from a printed circuit board, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional connector structures are used, then connection reliability is achieved, but assembly complexity increases and assembly time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional modules: a male part with elastic bodies for cable retention, a female seat with binding parts for locking, and a cover for protection. Each module performs a specific function, allowing for simplified assembly while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic bodies on the male part automatically deform to engage with the binding parts on the female seat during insertion, creating a self-locking mechanism. This eliminates the need for additional locking operations or complex assembly steps, thereby increasing assembly speed without compromising connection reliability.
2Ease of operation
If traditional connector structures are used, then connection stability is maintained, but the risk of damaging circuit board or cable during assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic bodies are pre-designed with deformable characteristics to absorb insertion forces through controlled deformation rather than rigid contact. This cushioning effect prevents excessive force from being transmitted to the circuit board or flexible flat cable during assembly, reducing damage risk while maintaining connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic modulus and geometric parameters of the elastic bodies are optimized to provide appropriate compliance during assembly. The material and structural parameters allow the elastic bodies to deform within a safe force range, protecting sensitive components while ensuring reliable locking engagement.
3Volume of moving object
If miniaturized connector designs are used, then space utilization is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed to envelop and protect the locking structures (elastic bodies and binding parts), creating a nested configuration. This allows the locking mechanism to be compact while maintaining sufficient engagement depth and precision, as the cover provides structural support and alignment guidance during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic bodies and binding parts feature asymmetric geometries that provide directional insertion guidance and precise engagement. The asymmetric design ensures that the components align correctly during insertion, reducing the tolerance requirements for manufacturing while achieving reliable locking in a miniaturized form factor.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables quick and secure connections in miniaturized fields by simplifying the assembly process while ensuring the integrity of both the cable and circuit board, suitable for applications in automotive electronics, smartphones, tablets, and televisions.
Implementation Method 1
the buckles and the binding parts are matched through deforming the elastic parts to lock the buckles and the binding parts
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses a connector with a direct locking structure. The connector comprises a male part and a female seat. The male part has a plurality of elastic parts, and each of the buckles is disposed on the outer sides of the plurality of the elastic parts. The female seat has a plurality of binding parts, and the binding parts respectively form two sides of the combining space, and the binding parts are correspondingly arranged to the buckles. The buckles are matched with the binding parts through deforming the elastic parts, so that the male parts and the female seats are further locked, wherein the locking of the male parts and the female seats are further released through deforming the elastic parts by the buckles and the binding parts.