Double Shell Electrical Connector Structural Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The downsizing trend of electronic devices compromises the structural stability of electrical connectors on circuit boards, which deteriorates with repeated use due to reduced size and increased mating and plugging cycles.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector design featuring a double housing structure with a non-grounded rear plate that shields the insulating body, where the metallic plate extends to abut the rear plate for electrical connection, eliminating the need for additional grounding structures and maintaining structural strength without compromising electrical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the electrical connector size is reduced to meet downsizing trends, then the device size decreases, but the structural stability deteriorates with repeated use
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector is divided into two separate metallic shells (first metallic shell and second metallic shell) that are assembled together. This segmentation allows each shell to contribute to structural stability independently, with the first shell providing front-side support and the second shell providing rear-side support, thereby maintaining overall stability even when the connector size is reduced.
Solution Approach 2:
The first metallic shell and second metallic shell are nested together to form a double housing structure. The first metallic shell is sheathed on the insulating body, and the second metallic shell is superposed on the first metallic shell, creating a nested configuration that maximizes structural strength within a compact volume, addressing both size reduction and stability requirements.
2Reliability
If additional grounding structures are added to maintain electrical connection, then the electrical connection is ensured, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second metallic shell serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, electromagnetic shielding, and electrical grounding simultaneously. The rear plate of the second metallic shell is electrically connected to the circuit board ground, eliminating the need for separate grounding structures and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding function is merged into the second metallic shell structure itself. The rear plate of the second metallic shell directly contacts the circuit board ground, combining the shielding function and grounding function into a single integrated component, thereby simplifying the overall structure while ensuring electrical connection reliability.
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
This design enhances the structural strength and service life of the electrical connector by simplifying the second metallic shell, reducing unnecessary protrusions, and maintaining electromagnetic shielding and electrical grounding, while avoiding grounding loops and manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the metallic plate and the second metallic shell are electrically conducted
Implementation Method 2
the rear plate which shields the insulating body
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector suited for being assembled to a circuit board is provided. The electrical connector includes an insulating body, a plurality of terminals disposed in the insulating body, a first metallic shell sheathing the insulating body to form an insertion space, a second metallic shell superposed on the first metallic shell, and a metallic plate disposed in the insulating body. The second metallic shell has a rear plate opposite to the rear interface, and is not electrically connected to the circuit board. The metallic plate has at least one bending extending out of the insulating body to abut the rear plate, such that the metallic plate and the second metallic shell are electrically conducted.