Dual Connector Assembly With Interlocking Mounting Blocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stacked electrical connectors that straddle a circuit board are bulky and difficult to assemble, and the mating forces can damage the electrical interface, while existing solutions with additional circuit boards and mounting hardware are expensive.
Innovation Solution
A dual connector assembly with two electrical connectors, where one connector is used to locate and space the second relative to the circuit board independently of the board's surface, allowing for precise positioning and accommodating different board thicknesses without additional hardware, thus reducing bulkiness and assembly complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional stacked electrical connectors are designed to straddle the circuit board, then mating interfaces can be positioned on opposite sides of the circuit board, but the connector becomes bulky and difficult to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions both mating interfaces on the same side of the circuit board rather than straddling it, changing the spatial arrangement from a three-dimensional straddling configuration to a two-dimensional same-side configuration. This dimensional change reduces the connector's bulk while maintaining the ability to provide multiple mating interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple mounting functions into a single mounting block structure. The mounting block provides both mechanical support and positioning for multiple electrical connectors, merging what would otherwise require separate mounting mechanisms into one integrated component, thereby reducing overall complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional stacked electrical connectors straddle the circuit board, then mating interfaces are provided on opposite sides, but mating forces rotate the connector and damage the electrical interface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a rotation prevention feature in the mounting block design that counteracts the rotating moment generated by mating forces before rotation can occur. This preliminary anti-action prevents the connector from rotating during mating, thereby protecting the electrical interface from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting block features an asymmetric geometry with a first side and a second side having different characteristics. This asymmetry creates inherent stability that resists rotation when mating forces are applied, preventing the connector from rotating and protecting the electrical interface.
3Ease of operation
If additional circuit boards and mounting hardware are used to support vertical circuit boards, then plug connectors can be mated and unmated, but the system becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple separate components (additional circuit boards, mounting hardware, and electrical connectors) into a single integrated mounting block structure. This mounting block provides mechanical support, positioning, and electrical connection functions that would otherwise require multiple separate components, thereby reducing system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting block serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for electrical connectors, positions them relative to the circuit board, prevents rotation during mating, and enables plug connector mating and unmating operations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
A dual connector assembly includes first and second electrical connectors. The first electrical connector has a first housing holding a first contact. The first housing has a mating end mated with a first mating connector and a mounting end mounted to a circuit board. The first housing has a first mounting block including a first mounting surface. The second electrical connector has a second housing holding a second contact. The second housing has a mating end mated with a second mating connector and a mounting end coupled to the mounting end of the first housing. The second housing has a second mounting block facing the first mounting block such that the second mounting surface engages the first mounting surface to locate the second housing relative to the circuit board. The mounting end of the second housing is held spaced apart from the circuit board by the first electrical connector.