Multi-port connector assembly anti-rotation rails
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coaxial connectors are prone to rotation within their housing, leading to alignment issues and potential damage during mounting to circuit boards, especially when multiple connectors need to be simultaneously mounted, which can cause misalignment and damage to the connectors and the board.
Innovation Solution
The multi-port connector assembly incorporates anti-rotation features on both the housing and the contact subassemblies, such as rails and channels, to securely orient and align the connectors with respect to the housing, preventing rotation and ensuring precise positioning for mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If coaxial connectors are mounted to a circuit board, then electrical connection is achieved, but rotation of the connectors causes misalignment and potential damage to mounting pins and the board
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by providing anti-rotation features with asymmetric geometry (e.g., flat surfaces, keys, or offsets) on both the connectors and housing. These asymmetric features create a unique fit that prevents rotation while maintaining precise alignment during mounting to the circuit board, directly resolving the contradiction between achieving reliable electrical connection and preventing rotation-induced misalignment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple coaxial connectors are simultaneously mounted to a circuit board, then system functionality is improved, but alignment problems are exaggerated causing damage to connectors and board
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple connectors into a single integrated assembly where all connectors share common anti-rotation features and mounting structures. This combination ensures that when the assembly is mounted to the circuit board, all connectors are positioned simultaneously with precise alignment, preventing the exaggeration of alignment problems that occurs when mounting multiple separate connectors individually.
3Manufacturing precision
If anti-rotation features are added to connectors and housing, then rotation is prevented and alignment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adding anti-rotation features only at specific locations on the connectors and housing where they are most effective, rather than redesigning the entire connector structure. The anti-rotation features (such as flat surfaces, keys, or offsets) are localized elements that prevent rotation without significantly increasing overall device complexity, thus resolving the contradiction between improving alignment precision and maintaining structural simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-port connector assembly includes a housing that has a front end and a back end. The housing has a plurality of openings therethrough that extend between the front end and the back end. The housing has a shelf that extends from the back end. The shelf has a plurality of channels formed therein. A plurality of contact subassemblies are received in corresponding openings. The contact subassemblies have center conductors and outer shells surrounding the center conductors. The outer shells have rails that extend outward therefrom. The rails are received in corresponding channels to orient the contact subassemblies with respect to the housing.