Elongated Electrical Connector Shell Rigidity via Segmented Attachment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors with elongated insulative housings and interconnected upper and lower shells lack structural diversity, particularly in securing mechanisms, which can affect the rigidity and reliability of the shell assembly.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector features an elongated insulative housing with a thickened portion and dual-fixation mechanisms, including a latching piece on the upper shell and a connecting piece on the lower shell, which secure to the housing and each other, providing enhanced rigidity through a combination of interference fit and soldering connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional single-attachment shell structures are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but structural rigidity and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The shell attachment structure is segmented into multiple independent attachment points: a first attachment structure at the first end portion and a second attachment structure at the second end portion. This segmentation allows each attachment point to contribute independently to the overall structural rigidity, resolving the contradiction by distributing structural strength across multiple locations rather than relying on a single complex attachment mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple attachment structures (first and second attachment structures) at different locations on the housing to work together as an integrated system. By merging these attachment points, the cumulative effect provides enhanced structural rigidity and reliability, overcoming the limitations of simpler single-attachment designs while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized attachment mechanisms.
2Reliability
If multiple attachment structures are used, then shell attachment reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment structure is divided into separate, modular first and second attachment structures located at different ends of the housing. Each attachment structure can be manufactured and assembled independently, improving reliability through redundant attachment points while maintaining ease of manufacture by avoiding a single complex integrated attachment system.
Solution Approach 2:
Each attachment structure is optimized for its specific location on the housing, with the first attachment structure at the first end and the second attachment structure at the second end. This local optimization allows each attachment point to be tailored for maximum reliability at that position while using standardized, easy-to-manufacture attachment mechanisms that can be replicated across different locations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If elongated housing structure is used, then connector capacity is improved, but structural integrity becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The elongated housing is strengthened by segmenting the attachment approach into multiple discrete attachment structures at different locations along the housing length. This segmentation provides localized reinforcement points that maintain structural integrity across the extended housing structure, enabling the connector to accommodate more contacts while preventing structural weakness that would arise from a single attachment point.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses the structural integrity challenge of elongated housings by adding attachment structures in the longitudinal dimension of the housing. By distributing attachment points along the length of the housing rather than concentrating them at a single location, the design maintains structural integrity while supporting the increased capacity required by the elongated configuration.
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 configuration ensures reliable rigidity and secure attachment of the upper and lower shells to the housing, enhancing the overall structural integrity and reliability of the connector assembly.
Implementation Method 1
providing enhanced rigidity through a combination of interference fit and soldering connections
Implementation Method 2
A distal end of the protruding piece is attached to the upper shell by solder through the receiving portion so that the protruding piece is electrically and physically connected to the upper shell
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes: an elongated insulative housing; plural contacts secured to the housing; an upper shell attached to the housing, the upper shell having a latching piece (12) secured to a middle portion of the housing; and a lower shell attached to the housing and connected to the upper shell at both end portions thereof in a longitudinal direction, the lower shell having a protruding piece (22) secured to the middle portion of the housing, wherein the upper shell includes a connecting piece (13) secured to a middle portion of the lower shell.