Integrated Connector Housing With Keyed Identification Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional multi-piece connectors face issues of increased width, volume, assembly tolerances, and higher production costs due to complex assembly designs, which hinder miniaturization and increase labor hours.
Innovation Solution
An integrated connector with a single-piece housing featuring multiple housing units, each with distinct key structures and identification units such as color plates or coloring sections, allowing easy differentiation and proper connection, and contacts divided into upper and lower groups with gaskets for electrical connection to an external circuit board.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multi-piece assembly design is used to meet functional requirements, then connector functionality is improved, but width and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple housing pieces into a single integrated housing structure that accommodates multiple connectors. The housing includes a body portion with multiple receiving spaces and a closing portion that seals all spaces, eliminating the need for separate housing assemblies for each connector while maintaining full functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multi-piece assembly design is used, then connector functionality is improved, but assembly tolerance control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple housing pieces into one monolithic structure, the patent eliminates cumulative assembly tolerances between separate components. The single housing is manufactured as one piece with precisely formed receiving spaces and sealing features, ensuring consistent dimensional accuracy and proper alignment without requiring tight tolerances in multiple separate parts.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multi-piece assembly design is used, then connector functionality is improved, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated housing design allows all connector components to be assembled into a single housing structure in one operation, rather than requiring separate assembly steps for multiple housing pieces. The closing portion is installed once to seal all receiving spaces simultaneously, significantly reducing assembly time and labor requirements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multi-piece assembly design is used, then connector functionality is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating the need to produce, finish, and assemble multiple separate housing pieces. The integrated housing can be manufactured using efficient molding processes for a single component, reducing material waste, machining operations, quality inspection steps, and assembly labor, while still providing all required connector functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector is provided. The connector has a housing and a plurality of identification units. The housing has a plurality of housing units, and each housing unit has a hollow body, a key structure and an open end. The key structure is formed on an inner edge of the hollow body, and the open end is formed on a side surface of the hollow body. The hollow body and the open end jointly define a receiving space for connecting a mating connector. The housing units are integrally formed with each other, and the key structures of each housing unit are different from each other. Each identification unit is respectively provided on each housing unit to identify and distinguish each housing unit accordingly.