Mating Adapter for Electrical Connector Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical connector systems require costly and time-consuming replacement of connectors when components with non-complementary mating types need to be connected, potentially causing damage during removal and replacement processes.

Innovation Solution

A mating adapter with interchangeable ends and latching features that can be securely coupled to header connectors, allowing for flexible connection between different types of electrical connectors, including header and cable connectors, without the need for costly replacements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If connector replacement is performed to connect non-complementary mating types, then connection capability is improved, but time consumption and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection capabilityVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a mating adapter as an intermediary component between two header connectors. The adapter includes a first receptacle that receives the mating pin of the first header connector, and a second receptacle that receives the mating pin of the second header connector, enabling connection between non-complementary mating types without replacing either connector

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution segments the connection system into three separate components: the first header connector, the mating adapter, and the second header connector. This segmentation allows each component to maintain its original design while the adapter provides the necessary interface conversion, eliminating the need to replace entire connectors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If connector replacement is performed to connect non-complementary mating types, then connection capability is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection capabilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The mating adapter serves as a cost-effective intermediary that enables connection between different connector types without requiring expensive replacement of the original connectors. The adapter is designed to be attached to one connector and mate with the other connector type

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a disposable or replaceable mating adapter that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. This approach is more economical than replacing expensive header connectors, as the adapter serves its purpose and can be discarded or replaced without significant cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If connector replacement is performed to connect non-complementary mating types, then connection capability is improved, but risk of damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection capabilityVSAvoidrisk of damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mating adapter acts as a protective intermediary that eliminates the need for forceful removal and replacement of connectors. By providing a receptacle-based interface, the adapter allows for gentle insertion and extraction without applying stress to the original connectors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter is pre-configured with receptacles that match the mating pins of header connectors. This preliminary design ensures proper alignment and gentle engagement, preventing damage that would occur during forced connection attempts between non-complementary connectors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If connector replacement is performed to connect non-complementary mating types, then connection capability is improved, but process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection capabilityVSAvoidprocess complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mating adapter provides a straightforward intermediary solution that maintains simplicity. The adapter attaches to one connector and provides a standard receptacle interface for the other connector type, creating a simple three-component system rather than a complex replacement process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10297966B1Mating adapter for an electrical connector assembly

Publication Date: 2019.05.21 TE CONNECTIVITY SOLUTIONS GMBH

AI summary

An electrical connector assembly includes a header connector having a header housing with a cavity and header signal and ground contacts held in the header housing. The assembly includes a mating adapter having first and second mating ends and an adapter housing holding adapter signal and ground contacts. The adapter signal contacts have receptacles. The first mating end and the second mating end are configured to be selectively received in the cavity of the header housing. The first receptacles are mated to corresponding mating pins of the deader signal contacts when the first mating end is received in the cavity and the second receptacles are mated to corresponding mating pins when the second mating end is received in the cavity.