Connector Locator With Offset Through Holes For Compact Cable Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable connectors face increased size issues when dealing with cables of larger outer diameters, leading to larger connector dimensions.
Innovation Solution
The locator features distinct first and second through holes positioned differently than the circuit board accommodating portions, allowing for alignment and positioning of cables without increasing the locator's size in the up-down direction, even with cables of increased outer diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the through hole is positioned away from the circuit board accommodating portion in the up-down direction to accommodate larger diameter cables, then the cable outer diameter capability increases, but the locator size in the up-down direction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the through hole from the up-down direction (Z-axis) to the pitch direction (X-axis), creating a different spatial arrangement. The through hole is positioned at a location different from the circuit board accommodating portion in the pitch direction, allowing larger diameter cables to pass through without increasing the up-down dimension of the locator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the positioning function into two independent elements: the circuit board accommodating portion for positioning the circuit board, and the through hole for positioning the cable. By separating these functions spatially and allowing independent positioning, the design accommodates larger cables without affecting the circuit board positioning or increasing the overall up-down size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the through hole position is adjusted to accommodate larger cables, then cable size adaptability improves, but the locator structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The through hole serves multiple functions: it positions the cable in the pitch direction, accommodates larger diameter cables, and maintains the locator's compact up-down dimension. The single structural modification of repositioning the through hole achieves multiple benefits without adding complex mechanisms or additional components.
Data Source
AI summary
A locator is for aligning cables which are configured to be connected with a circuit board having an accommodated portion. The locator comprises at least a main portion which extends in a pitch direction. The main portion is, at least in part, formed with at least one circuit board accommodating portion. The main portion is formed with at least one first through hole and at least one second through hole which is different from the first through hole. The at least one circuit board accommodating portion is configured to accommodate the accommodated portion of the circuit board. The at least one circuit board accommodating portion opens at least forward in a front-rear direction perpendicular to the pitch direction. In the pitch direction, the at least one first through hole is provided at a location which is different from a location of the circuit board accommodating portion.