Low-Profile Locking Clip for Surface-Mount Connectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic connector designs for printed circuit boards (PCBs) are incompatible with surface-mount technology (SMT) due to their high profile and lack of a low-profile locking mechanism, leading to potential disconnection and device failure.

Innovation Solution

A low-profile locking clip is installed on a surface-mount header to secure plug connectors, featuring recesses for detent tabs and catch members that engage lead pins to ensure proper alignment and prevent disconnection, providing a mechanical lock without increasing the connector's height.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a shrouded connector with a notch is used to create a mechanical lock, then the plug connector is secured against disconnection, but the connector height increases and it becomes incompatible with surface-mount technology

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidconnector height

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The locking function is segmented from the main connector body into a separate locking clip component. This allows the connector header to remain low-profile for SMT compatibility while the locking mechanism provides secure retention through its own structure with catch members and recesses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A locking clip serves as an intermediary component between the connector header and plug connector. This mediator provides the mechanical locking function without requiring the header itself to be high-profile, thus resolving the conflict between connection security and connector height.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a locking mechanism is added to prevent disconnection, then connection reliability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidconnector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking clip is designed to be self-retaining through its structure with catch members that engage lead pins and recesses that receive detent tabs. The plug connector's detent tab automatically engages with the locking clip's recess during insertion, providing self-service locking without requiring additional actuation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The locking function is merged into a single integrated clip component that combines multiple features: catch members for securing the connector, recesses for receiving detent tabs, and a low-profile structure. This consolidation reduces overall device complexity compared to having separate locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7744398B1Locking device for an electrical connector

Publication Date: 2010.06.29 CURBELL MEDICAL PRODS

AI summary

A low-profile locking clip is installable on a surface-mount header of a printed circuit board to secure one or more inserted plug connectors in mating engagement with the surface-mount header to prevent unintended loosening and disconnection. The locking clip comprises a plurality of catch members that engage with respective lead pins of the surface-mount header and a top wall that includes one or more recesses for receiving a detent tab on a corresponding plug connector to prevent withdrawal of the plug connector.