Hybrid Connector Coupling Structure for Stable PCB Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional connectors are separately mounted on a circuit board, leading to variations in their absolute and relative positions, which can affect connectivity and reliability.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid connector design comprising a first and second connector part with a coupling part that integrates the two bodies, ensuring consistent positioning and alignment through a through hole and optional shell structure for enhanced stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the first and second connectors are provided separately and mounted on the circuit board, then each connector can be independently mounted, but the absolute positions and relative positions between the connectors vary

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIndependent mounting capabilityVSAvoidPosition consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the first connector and second connector into a single integrated connector unit. The first body and second body are positioned relative to each other with fixed spacing, and both are retained by a common insulating body. This merging eliminates the position variation that occurs when separate connectors are independently mounted on the circuit board, while still allowing the entire integrated unit to be mounted as one component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the first and second connectors are mounted separately on the circuit board, then individual mounting flexibility is maintained, but relative position stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveMounting flexibilityVSAvoidRelative position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The first connector and second connector are merged into a single integrated structure where both connectors are retained by a common insulating body. The insulating body maintains fixed relative positions between the first body and second body, ensuring position stability. The entire integrated connector can be mounted on the circuit board as one unit, providing mounting flexibility while eliminating relative position variation between the two connectors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If separate connectors are used, then component modularity is achieved, but connection reliability varies due to position variations

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveComponent modularityVSAvoidConnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the first connector and second connector into a single unit with a common insulating body that retains both connectors at fixed relative positions. This integration eliminates the position variations that occur with separately mounted connectors, thereby improving connection reliability. The modular design is preserved at the connector level (first body and second body remain distinct functional units) while achieving position stability through their integrated retention structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4651318A1Hybrid connector
Publication Date: 2025.11.19 HOSIDEN CORP
  • EP4651318A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4651318A1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1D
  • EP4651318A1 patent drawingFigure 1E~1F

AI summary

The invention provides a hybrid connector including two connector parts with reduced variations in their absolute and relative positions. The connector C1 includes a first connector part C1a, a second connector part C1b, and a coupling part 100c. The first connector part C1a includes a first body 100a, at least one first terminal 200a, and a shell 300a. The shell includes a shell body 310a covering at least a part of an outer face of the first body, and at least one third mountable portion 331a. The second connector part C1b includes a second body 100b and at least one second terminal 200b. The coupling part 100c couples the first body 100a and the second body 100b. The at least one third mountable portion 331a is disposed on the Z'-direction side relative to, or disposed in, at least one through hole 101c of the coupling part 100c.