Compact High-Speed Cable Connector With Strain Relief Latching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cable connector systems are prone to disengagement due to external forces such as cable tension, shock, and vibration, leading to potential loss of signal continuity and unlocking of the latching mechanism.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of strain reliefs and extended outer walls in cable connectors to prevent unlocking and disengagement, using overmolds made of dielectric or conductive materials to secure cables and maintain connection integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If cable tension and external forces are applied to the connector, then the connector can be easily inserted and removed, but the internal contact may disengage, cable may break, or latching mechanism may become unlocked

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion and removalVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by designing the latching mechanism to preemptively counteract external forces before they can cause disengagement. The latch engages with the latch slot and uses the flange to prevent rotation, creating a pre-established resistance against cable tension and vibration that maintains connection stability during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements beforehand cushioning through the strain relief features and flexible circuit board design that absorb and distribute mechanical stresses before they reach critical components. The strain relief channel and overall connector geometry provide built-in stress distribution that cushions against shock and vibration, protecting the latching mechanism and contacts from force-induced failure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Ease of manufacture

If the connector structure is simplified for ease of manufacture, then production cost decreases, but the ability to prevent disengagement under external forces is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidresistance to disengagement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into integrated components to achieve both manufacturing simplicity and reliability. The latch structure combines engagement, locking, and strain relief functions into a single piece that attaches to the flexible circuit board. The housing integrates cable management, strain relief, and structural support features, reducing part count while maintaining robust resistance to disengagement forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite construction by combining the flexible circuit board with rigid housing materials and integrating multiple material properties into unified components. The flexible PCB material provides both electrical connectivity and mechanical flexibility, while the housing material provides structural strength. This composite approach simplifies manufacturing by reducing assembly steps while ensuring reliable resistance to external forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS20260081384A1Ultra high speed signal cable connector having characteristics of compact in structure, small in occupied space, convenient to weld and high in transmission efficiency
Publication Date: 2026.03.19 SAMTEC INC
  • US20260081384A1 patent drawing
  • US20260081384A1 patent drawing
  • US20260081384A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A cable connector includes a cable including a center conductor, a first housing, and an overmold attached to the cable and the first housing. The cable connector can include a second housing and the overmold can be attached to the second housing. Alternatively, a cable connector system includes a cable connector including a first latch, and a board connector including a second latch and a shield, wherein the shield is staked to a substrate, and a body of the cable connector includes an outer wall that extends over the shield when the cable connector is mated to the board connector.