Plug Connector Metal Fitting Structure for Thin, Strong Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors used in electronic devices, such as smartphones and portable information terminals, face challenges in reducing size and thickness while maintaining strength and durability.
Innovation Solution
A plug connector design featuring a housing with side wall, coupling wall, and bottom wall portions, along with metal fittings that include mount, curved, outer, and coupling portions, is used. This design integrates terminals and metal fittings with the housing through insert molding, enhancing structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the connector size and thickness are reduced, then the connector can be used in compact electronic devices, but the strength and durability of the connector deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple functional segments: housing, metal fittings, and terminals. Each segment serves specific functions and can be optimized independently. The housing provides structural support, the metal fittings provide reinforcement and mounting, and the terminals provide electrical connection, allowing the overall connector to be compact while maintaining strength through distributed functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector employs composite construction by combining different materials with complementary properties. The housing is made of insulating material (resin or plastic) while the metal fittings are made of conductive metal. This composite approach allows the connector to achieve both electrical functionality and mechanical strength in a compact form, as each material contributes its superior properties to the overall structure.
2Volume of moving object
If the connector size is reduced, then the connector fits in compact devices, but the structural integrity and durability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The metal fittings are pre-formed with curved portions that are designed to engage with the housing in a predetermined manner. The curved portions are formed in advance with specific geometries that enable them to snap-fit or lock into the housing, ensuring proper alignment and secure attachment before the actual connector assembly takes place. This preliminary preparation of components ensures reliable assembly even in the compact final structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal fittings incorporate curved portions with specific radii of curvature that allow them to flex and engage with the housing. The curved geometry provides mechanical advantage during assembly and ensures reliable locking. The curvature also allows the metal fittings to accommodate slight misalignments and stress variations, enhancing the overall durability and reliability of the compact connector structure.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a plug connector mounted on a board, including: a housing, a plurality of terminals, and a pair of metal fittings, the housing has a pair of side wall portions, a pair of coupling wall portions, and a bottom wall portion; the pair of metal fittings is held at both ends of the housing in a longitudinal direction of the plug connector; the metal fitting has a pair of mount portions, a pair of curved portions, an outer portion, and a pair of coupling portions; the mount portion is provided on the bottom side of the housing; the curved portion is curved so as to cover part of an upper surface of the side wall portion; the outer portion covers an upper surface and an outer wall of the coupling wall portion; and the coupling portion couples the outer portion to the mount portion and the curved portion.