Offset Latch Arms for Electrical Connector Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional SFP, QSFP, and XFP connectors face challenges in blind mating and guiding within compact electronic devices, leading to complex manufacturing processes and higher costs due to the need for specific guiding tabs and grooves, which complicates the insertion and alignment of connectors.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector module with offset latch arms on a common wall that secures multiple connectors on different sides, providing a maximized locking area and facilitating easy alignment and secure locking of connectors in slots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If guiding tabs and corresponding grooves are added to connectors for alignment, then connector alignment and guiding is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the guiding function and locking function into a single integrated latch arm structure on the common wall. The latch arms serve dual purposes: they guide the connector into proper alignment during insertion and simultaneously provide secure locking engagement, eliminating the need for separate guiding tabs and grooves that would increase manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The latch arms on the common wall are designed to perform multiple functions: they act as alignment guides during connector insertion, provide mechanical locking engagement, and enable easy release. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require separate guiding features and locking mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while improving ease of operation
2Area of moving object
If multiple connectors are secured on different sides of a common wall, then locking area is maximized, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the third dimension by extending latch arms from the common wall at offset positions to engage connectors on opposite sides. This vertical extension from the common wall plane allows the structure to maximize locking area across multiple connectors without increasing horizontal footprint or requiring complex lateral arrangements
Solution Approach 2:
The common wall is segmented with multiple offset latch arms positioned at different locations to engage different connectors. Each latch arm is an independent segment that can be optimized for its specific connector engagement, allowing the overall structure to maximize locking area while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing through modular segmentation
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional SFP connectors are used in compact electronic devices, then connector functionality is maintained, but insertion and fastening becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The latch arms are pre-positioned on the common wall at offset locations before connector insertion. This preliminary positioning creates a guided path that automatically aligns and engages the connector during insertion, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment and making the insertion process easier in compact device environments
Solution Approach 2:
The latch arm structure is designed to perform self-alignment and self-locking during connector insertion. The offset positioning of the latch arms on the common wall creates inherent mechanical guidance that automatically guides the connector into the correct position and secures it without requiring external alignment aids or complex fastening operations
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector module for electrically connecting at least one connector to a printed circuit board of an electronic device includes at least one shielding jack having a top wall, two opposite side walls and at least one common wall. The walls of the shielding jack collectively define at least a slot therewithin for receiving the connectors and a front end and an opposite rear end. The slot is divided by the common wall. The side walls and the common wall have a plurality of press fit terminals extending toward the circuit board. The common wall has a plurality of offset latch arms engaged with different connectors. When the connectors are inserted to the slots, the offset latch arms respectively secure the connectors in the corresponding slots.