MCIO Connector Assembly With Integrated Flexible Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing MCIO connectors in the telecommunication industry have complex component arrangements, leading to high manufacturing costs due to the complexity of buckling structures in the cable-end and board-end connectors.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly design featuring a board-end connector with an insulated housing, flexible locking members, an outer shell, a pressing member, and a terminal module, along with a cable-end connector that includes a flexible parallel cable and a plug, where the flexible locking members engage with the plug's buckling portions to facilitate easy attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional buckling structures are used in MCIO connectors, then reliable connection is achieved, but component arrangement becomes complex and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the buckling structure and locking function into a single integrated flexible locking member. The flexible arm with hook portion and buckling portion merges multiple functions (locking, buckling, positioning) into one component, eliminating the need for separate buckling structures and reducing overall component complexity while maintaining reliable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible locking member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides locking through the hook portion engaging with engaging blocks, enables buckling through the first buckling portion, and facilitates positioning during insertion. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed while ensuring reliable connection.
2Reliability
If traditional buckling structures are used in MCIO connectors, then stable connection is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the buckling structure and locking mechanism into a single flexible locking member that can be integrated into the insulated housing, the patent reduces the total number of parts requiring manufacturing and assembly. This integration lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining stable connection through the combined locking and buckling functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible locking member automatically performs both locking and buckling functions through its own structural design, without requiring separate dedicated components. The flexible arm's elasticity and geometric configuration enable it to self-adjust and self-lock, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Reliability
If complex buckling structures are used, then reliable locking is achieved, but assembly process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the buckling and locking functions into a single flexible locking member that is pre-assembled within the insulated housing. This integration simplifies the assembly process by reducing the number of separate components that need to be assembled, while the hook portion and buckling portion work together to provide reliable locking automatically during the insertion process.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible locking member is pre-positioned within the insulated housing with its hook portion and buckling portion already configured. During assembly, the cable-end connector is simply inserted into the board-end connector, and the pre-configured flexible locking member automatically engages through the recesses and performs locking, eliminating the need for complex manual assembly of separate buckling structures.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design reduces manufacturing costs and simplifies the assembly process by allowing easy engagement and disengagement of the cable-end and board-end connectors, thereby lowering production expenses.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of flexible locking members (12), an outer shell (13), a pressing member (14), and a terminal module (15). The insulated housing (11) has a receiving cavity (111)... Each of the flexible locking members (12) comprises an flexible arm (121)... When the pressing member (14) is pressed to push the flexible locking members (12), each of the first buckling portions (123) drives the corresponding one of the flexible arms (121) to move
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly includes a board-end connector and a cable-end connector. The board-end connector includes an insulated housing, flexible locking members, an outer shell, a pressing member, and a terminal module. The insulated housing has a receiving cavity. Each of two sides of the insulated housing has a recess in communication with the receiving cavity and an engaging block extending outward. The flexible locking members are engaged with the engaging blocks. The pressing member is arranged outside the outer shell to be connected to the flexible locking members. The terminal module is in the receiving cavity and includes ground terminals and several pairs of signal terminals arranged as a single row along an axial line. The cable-end connector includes a flexible parallel cable and a plug at one end of the flexible parallel cable.