Dual-Orientation Electrical Connector Assembly with U-Shaped Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connector assemblies are prone to damage when users incorrectly attempt to mate receptacle and plug connectors, either horizontally or vertically, due to a lack of versatility in mating orientations.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector assembly features a receptacle connector with a U-shaped spring arm latch that allows for secure mating in both horizontal and vertical rotational orientations, utilizing a pair of latches and locking grooves for engagement, and positioning blocks and holes for alignment, enabling the plug connector to be inserted or rotated into the receptacle connector safely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the connector is designed for single-orientation mating (vertical only), then the structure can be simpler, but the user flexibility and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector housing is designed with dual openings (front opening and upper opening) that allow the plug connector to be mated in multiple orientations (horizontal insertion or vertical downward rotation). The latch mechanism and positioning structures are configured to accommodate both mating directions, enabling a single connector design to serve multiple functions and user needs without requiring separate connector variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design transitions from single-direction (one-dimensional) mating to multi-directional (two-dimensional) mating capability. The housing incorporates openings and guiding structures that permit insertion along the front-to-back direction horizontally, as well as downward vertical insertion with rotational movement, adding dimensional flexibility to the mating operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the connector allows both horizontal and vertical mating, then user flexibility is improved, but the risk of damage from incorrect mating increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates positioning blocks and positioning holes that guide the plug connector into the correct aligned position before mating occurs. This preliminary positioning action ensures that contacts are properly oriented and engaged, preventing damage from misaligned insertion regardless of whether the mating direction is horizontal or vertical.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism is designed with resilient properties that allow it to flex and absorb impact forces during the mating process. This cushioning effect protects the delicate contact elements from damage when the plug connector is inserted or rotated into the receptacle, providing a buffer against excessive forces that might occur during multi-orientation mating.
3Reliability
If a latch mechanism is added for secure engagement, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is integrated directly into the housing structure rather than being a separate, additional component. The latch is formed as part of the receptacle housing, combining the housing and locking functions into a single structural element. This reduces the number of discrete parts while maintaining the secure engagement capability across both mating orientations.
Data Source
AI summary
A receptacle connector includes an insulative receptacle housing and a plurality of receptacle contacts retained in the receptacle housing. The plug connector includes an insulative plug housing and a plurality of plug connectors retained in the plug connector. The receptacle housing includes a rear wall extending along a lengthwise direction, and a pair of side walls extending from two opposite ends of the rear wall along the front-to-back direction perpendicular of the lengthwise direction, to commonly form a receiving space thereamong. The receiving space forms a front opening and an upper opening for communicating with an exterior. The receptacle contacts are retained in the rear wall and extend into the receiving space. The plug connector is adapted to be rearwardly inserted into the receiving space along the front-to-back direction via the front opening, or be downwardly and rotationally inserted into the receiving space via the upper opening.