Header Connectors with Rigid Latches for Secure Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
High density header connectors with low profile designs often experience unintended unmating during assembly due to inadequate retention force and unprotected latch mechanisms, leading to reliability issues and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
The integration of rigid, upward-extending latches on the header connectors, protected by columns, provides enhanced retention force and protection against accidental release, with the latches being accessible for easy extraction and capable of withstanding high temperatures during reflow processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If low profile header connectors are used, then the connector size is reduced and manufacturing cost is lowered, but the retention force is insufficient leading to unintended unmating
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into modular components including a header portion, a separate latch mechanism, and a harness assembly. The latch is designed as a distinct element that can be independently molded and attached to the header, allowing each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall compactness
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism is nested within the header structure, with the latch portion fitting into cavities formed in the header body. The latch includes protruding members that insert into corresponding cavities and are held in place with interference fit, creating a space-efficient design that maximizes retention force within the low profile form factor
2Device complexity
If unprotected latch release members are used, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but the latch is subject to accidental release or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The latch release members are pre-protected by positioning them within the harness assembly structure before final assembly. The harness housing encloses and protects the latch release members, preventing accidental engagement while maintaining the ability to deliberately release the latch when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The harness housing acts as an intermediary protective structure between the external environment and the latch release members. This intermediate layer provides physical protection and guidance, ensuring that only intentional actions can engage or disengage the latch mechanism
3Reliability
If rigid latches extending upward from header base are used, then retention force is enhanced, but the connector height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism utilizes vertical extension from the header base to achieve enhanced retention force through rigid upward-extending structures. By optimizing the latch geometry and engagement depth, the design achieves maximum retention in the vertical dimension while maintaining an acceptable overall profile for the connector assembly
4Strength
If separately molded latches with interference fit are used, then the latch can be securely attached to the header, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The design employs interference fit between the latch protruding members and header cavities, utilizing material elasticity and dimensional parameters to achieve secure attachment. By carefully selecting material properties and dimensional tolerances, the design achieves strong mechanical bonding while accommodating normal manufacturing variations
Data Source
AI summary
This approach generally pertains to a header connector with rigid latches. The connector includes columns with column cavities therein and latching mechanisms having latch beams and latching ends, with a plurality of mating contacts with mounting pins affixed to a dielectric housing. A harness is securable to the header connector generally between the latching mechanisms. The harness is insertable and removable. The harness provides easy access to a tool that can facilitate extraction of the harness from the header connector.