Dual-Guide Connector Assembly to Prevent Oblique Plugging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional connectors lack guidance and protection during plug-connection, leading to potential damage of socket terminals and increased risk of open or short circuits, especially in compact spaces, and are difficult to operate due to narrow gaps between connectors.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a dual guide structure with guide grooves and blocks for precise alignment and a latch assembly with a pull strap for secure locking and easy unlocking, preventing terminal damage and facilitating operation in tight spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional connectors are used in narrow space without guidance structure, then the connector can be simple in structure, but the socket terminals are prone to be damaged during plug-connection process
Solution Approach 1:
The guide grooves and guide blocks are pre-formed structural features on the socket and plug housings respectively. Before the plug-connection process begins, these guide structures are already in place to receive and guide the mating components, preventing terminal damage from oblique insertion without requiring additional active guidance mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide grooves and guide blocks act as intermediary structures between the plug and socket housing. They mediate the connection process by providing a controlled path for alignment, allowing the plug and socket to mate properly even in narrow spaces where direct alignment would be difficult.
2Area of stationary object
If socket connectors are arranged in array with small gap on circuit board, then the space utilization is improved, but it becomes difficult for fingers to extend into the gap to pull out the plug connector
Solution Approach 1:
The guide blocks extend in the first direction (plug-connection direction) and protrude from the plug housing. This dimensional extension allows the guide blocks to serve as external handles that can be grasped from the side, enabling plug extraction without requiring finger access from the front gap between connectors.
3Manufacturing precision
If guide structures are added to prevent oblique plugging, then the plug-connection accuracy is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide grooves are formed as integral features of the socket housing, and the guide blocks are formed as integral features of the plug housing. By merging the guidance function into the existing housing structures rather than adding separate components, the manufacturing process is simplified while still achieving precise alignment.
Data Source
AI summary
This application provides a connector and an electronic device, and the connector includes a socket assembly and a plug assembly that are plug-connected and fitted. The socket assembly includes a socket housing and a socket body, where the socket body is disposed in the socket housing, first wiring terminals are disposed on the socket body, and the socket housing is provided with at least one first guide groove extending in a first direction. The guide block fits the first guide groove, so that plug-connection guidance between the plug assembly and the socket assembly is implemented, oblique plugging of the plug assembly is prevented, pin crash in a plugging process is avoided, and blind mate in narrow space may be supported.