Plug Connector Cam Guide Mechanism for High-Frequency Signal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug connections, particularly in the automotive and high-frequency applications, face challenges in maintaining reliable mechanical and electrical connections at high data rates and frequencies while being compact and robust, as they are prone to interference and have limitations in achieving higher transmission rates due to tolerances and mechanical fixation methods.
Innovation Solution
A plug connection design featuring a connecting device with a U-shaped guide that allows for easy alignment and secure locking of connectors, enabling high-speed data transmission by ensuring precise mechanical and electrical connections through a link guide mechanism, which can transmit data at frequencies above 18 GHz and data rates above 24 Gbit/s, even with high tolerances, and is insensitive to interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional snap-fit connections are used to secure connectors, then the connection is mechanically simple and easy to manufacture, but the connection is not reliable enough for high data rates and high frequencies above 18 GHz
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple functional components: a first connector part, a second connector part, and an additional connecting element with cam elements. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the cam elements provide precise mechanical guidance and positioning while the connecting elements ensure reliable electrical contact, thereby achieving high connection reliability for frequencies above 18 GHz without excessive overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The cam elements are pre-configured in the connector housing to guide the additional connecting element into the correct position during the plugging process. This preliminary mechanical guidance ensures that the connectors are precisely aligned before electrical contact is made, preventing misalignment issues that would compromise reliability at high frequencies, while the self-guiding mechanism reduces the need for complex external alignment devices
2Volume of moving object
If connectors are designed to be compact to save space and weight, then the installation space is reduced, but the mechanical fixation and electrical connection quality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The additional connecting element with cam elements is integrated within the connector housing structure rather than being external. The cam elements are positioned within the housing to guide the mating connector during insertion. This nested arrangement provides precise mechanical guidance and reliable electrical contact while minimizing the overall connector volume, as the guiding mechanism is contained within the existing housing space rather than adding external bulk
Solution Approach 2:
The cam elements provide guidance in a lateral dimension perpendicular to the insertion direction. Instead of relying solely on the insertion motion for alignment, the cam elements engage laterally to guide the additional connecting element into precise position. This dimensional approach to alignment allows compact connector design while maintaining high electrical connection quality, as the guidance function is achieved through spatial arrangement rather than increased size
3Productivity
If high data rates above 24 Gbit/s and frequencies above 18 GHz are achieved, then the transmission performance is improved, but the connector becomes more susceptible to interference and mechanical tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional snap-fit mechanical connections with a cam-based guiding mechanism. The cam elements provide precise mechanical guidance that ensures consistent positioning of the additional connecting element, reducing variability from mechanical tolerances. This mechanical substitution creates a more stable and repeatable connection geometry, which is essential for maintaining signal integrity at frequencies above 18 GHz and data rates above 24 Gbit/s, thereby reducing susceptibility to interference
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the mechanical parameters of the connection system by introducing cam elements with specific geometric profiles. These cam elements are designed with precise curvature and positioning to guide the additional connecting element into optimal contact position. By controlling the geometric parameters of the cam guidance mechanism, the system achieves consistent alignment that minimizes the impact of manufacturing tolerances and reduces susceptibility to electromagnetic interference at high frequencies
4Reliability
If an additional connecting element with cam elements is added to improve connection reliability, then the data transmission reliability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The additional connecting element is merged with the connector housing structure rather than being a completely separate component. The cam elements are integrated into the housing, and the connecting element is positioned within the same assembly. This merging reduces the total number of discrete parts, simplifies the manufacturing process by combining functions into fewer components, and maintains the reliable cam-based guidance mechanism necessary for high-frequency data transmission
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 6~8
Figure 9~10
AI summary
The invention relates to a plug-in connection (1), comprising a first electrical connector (2) and a second electrical connector (3), which can be plugged together in order to establish a mechanical and electrical connection. In order to support the connection of the electrical connectors (2, 3), an additional connecting device (5) is arranged on a housing (2.1) of the first electrical connector (2). The connecting device (5) has at least one first slotted-guide part (6), and a housing (3.1) of the second electrical connector (3) has at least one second slotted-guide part (7), which together form a slotted guide. The two slotted-guide parts (6, 7) of the slotted guide are arranged and designed in such a way that the two slotted-guide parts (6, 7) assume a first position relative to each other when the electrical connectors (2, 3) are plugged together into a preliminary latching position. The connecting device (5) is connected to the housing (2.1) of the first electrical connector (2) by means of at least one guide (9). The electrical connectors (2, 3) are mechanically coupled by means of the guide (9) and the slotted guide in such a way that the electrical connectors (2, 3) are plugged together into a final position when the two slotted-guide parts (6, 7) are in a second position relative to each other. The connecting device (5) can be slid with the first slotted-guide part (6) relative to the housing (2.1) of the first electrical connector (2) along the guide (9) from an unlocking position into a locking position in order to slide the two slotted-guide parts (6, 7) into the second position.