Low Profile Cable Connector Assembly Flat Inner Conductors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional USB connectors have a high profile, which does not align with the miniaturization trend in device design, as seen in devices like scanners and digital cameras that require a standardized connection method.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile cable connector assembly is designed with a flat cable connecting first and second contacts, where the inner conductors are arranged in upper and lower rows and soldered to these contacts, and a metallic shell shields the insulative housing, allowing for a compact structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a traditional USB connector with round cable and metallic shell is used, then the connection functionality is ensured, but the profile height becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional round cable cross-section to a flat cable cross-section with conductors arranged in upper and lower rows. This dimensional change in cable geometry allows the connector to achieve a lower profile height while maintaining all necessary connection functionality and USB standard compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into distinct upper and lower contact regions, with corresponding upper and lower rows of conductors in the flat cable. This segmentation allows for optimized spatial arrangement of connection elements, enabling reduced overall height while preserving full connection capability.
2Length of stationary object
If the cable connector assembly is miniaturized, then the profile is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the upper and lower contact assemblies into a single molded insulative housing structure. The housing is formed as one piece with integrated features for receiving and positioning both upper and lower contacts, as well as incorporating the metallic shell. This merging of multiple components into a single molded part significantly reduces manufacturing complexity despite the miniaturized profile and multi-row conductor arrangement.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable connector assembly (100), comprises: a plurality of first contacts (2), an insulative housing (1) molding outside the first contacts (2), a plurality of second contacts (3) received in the housing (1), a flat cable (4) connecting with the first contacts (2) and the second contacts (3), and the cable (4) comprising a plurality of inner conductors (40) arranged on upper and lower row, the upper row of the inner conductors (40) soldered to the second contacts (3) and the lower row of the inner conductors (40) soldered to the first contacts (2), a metallic shell (5) shielding outside the insulative housing (1). The two inner conductors (40) are soldered to a single power contact (21).