Mounting Plate Connector Stability Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical connectors experience torque-induced disengagement from circuit boards due to the positioning of their coupling mechanisms at the back end, which can lead to mechanical instability when electrical components are connected to the front mating end.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a housing with a post extending from the plate surface that mounts within an aperture on the circuit board, and a mounting plate with an engagement feature that secures to the housing with an interference fit, providing a stable mechanical connection between the connector and the board.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the coupling mechanism is positioned at the back end of the connector, then the connector can be secured to the circuit board, but torque generated during component connection causes the coupling mechanism to disengage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-point coupling mechanism at the back end to a distributed multi-point coupling system. The mounting plate provides additional coupling points at the front end and intermediate positions, distributing the mechanical loads across multiple locations rather than concentrating them at one point, thereby preventing torque-induced disengagement
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is divided into multiple independent coupling points distributed across the mounting plate. Each coupling point independently secures the connector at different locations, so that torque applied at the front end does not compromise the entire mechanical connection, as each segment provides redundant stabilization
2Device complexity
If the connector is only coupled at the back end, then the structure is simple, but the force from component connection generates torque that rotates the connector
Solution Approach 1:
The solution adds spatial distribution of coupling points across the mounting plate surface, transforming the coupling geometry from a single-point contact to a multi-point distributed arrangement. This dimensional expansion in the coupling configuration provides rotational stability without requiring complex mechanical structures
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate is pre-positioned on the circuit board before the connector is fully assembled, establishing a stable mechanical foundation in advance. This preliminary placement ensures that when components are later connected to the front end, the connector is already stabilized against rotational forces
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector is provided including a housing. A mounting plate is provided having a mounting surface configured to be mechanically coupled to a circuit board. An opening extends through the mounting plate. The opening has an interior contour shaped to slidably receive a post of the housing as the mounting plate is loaded onto the post until the mounting plate rests on a plate surface of the housing. An engagement feature is provided on the mounting plate. The engagement feature secures the mounting plate to the housing. The engagement feature displaces a plate securing portion formed on the housing to secure the mounting plate to the housing with an interference fit.