Hybrid Electrical Connector Layout for Perpendicular Mating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connector assemblies with single-function contacts are inadequate for hybrid type transmission, requiring separate configurations for power/grounding and signal functions.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector assembly features male and female connectors designed for front-to-back or vertical mating, with alternating arrangements of power/grounding and signal contacts to ensure proper mating and prevent improper connections, utilizing insulative housings and bodies with specific mating faces and surfaces for perpendicular orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If single-function contacts are used in electrical connectors, then the connector structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the connector cannot perform hybrid type transmission (power/grounding and signal functions simultaneously)
Solution Approach 1:
The contact configuration is segmented into distinct power/grounding contacts and signal contacts arranged in alternating patterns. This segmentation allows each contact type to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining an organized, manageable structure that doesn't excessively increase complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed with multi-functional capability by integrating both power/grounding contacts and signal contacts within the same connector body. This universality enables the single connector to perform hybrid type transmission, accommodating both power delivery and signal communication functions simultaneously
2Reliability
If all contacts are arranged in a single configuration for one function, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but proper mating and prevention of improper connections cannot be ensured for hybrid type contacts
Solution Approach 1:
The contact arrangement uses asymmetric patterns where power/grounding contacts and signal contacts are positioned differently and alternately. This asymmetric configuration ensures proper mating by creating unique geometric patterns that guide correct alignment while preventing improper connections, as mismatched connectors cannot establish proper contact patterns
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the connector are assigned different contact types with specific local characteristics. Power/grounding contacts have particular positioning and dimensional qualities, while signal contacts have different local characteristics. This local quality differentiation ensures proper mating through complementary patterns while maintaining manufacturability through standardized contact designs
3Reliability
If longer and shorter signal contact units are used in paired arrangements, then reliable signal transmission is achieved, but the connector dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The contact arrangement extends into multiple spatial dimensions by positioning longer and shorter signal contact units at different locations along the connector length and width. This multi-dimensional arrangement achieves reliable signal transmission through optimized contact paths while maintaining compact overall dimensions by utilizing spatial efficiency
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrical connector assembly includes a male connector and a female connector adapted to be mated with each other only in a single orientation while via two different directions perpendicular to each other. Each of the male connector and the female connector has the corresponding paired longer signal contact unit and shorter signal contact unit in the same vertical plane. When mated, the male connector and the female connector are coupled in a complementary manner, i.e., the longer one vs. the shorter one. The shorter signal contact unit is closer to one mating surface than the longer one while the longer one is closer to another mating surface than the shorter one.