Electrical Plug Connector Structural Reinforcement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Micro USB electrical plug connectors lack structural reinforcement, leading to deformation and potential detachment of the lower shell and circuit board, which can result in charging or data transmission failures due to insufficient positioning and support mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The electrical plug connector features a metallic shell with stopping pieces, bent sheets, and engaging pieces that securely enclose the insulated housing and circuit board, preventing deformation and detachment by engaging with recessed portions and holding the circuit board in place, ensuring stable assembly and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the lower shell is made without strengthening structures to maintain simplicity, then the assembly process is easier, but the lower shell deforms or bends easily when the circuit board is assembled
Solution Approach 1:
The lower shell is divided into multiple sections with strengthening ribs strategically positioned to provide structural support only where needed during circuit board assembly, rather than reinforcing the entire shell uniformly
Solution Approach 2:
Strengthening ribs are added locally to the lower shell at specific positions where support is required during circuit board insertion, maintaining simplicity in other areas while preventing deformation at critical points
2Ease of manufacture
If the upper shell and lower shell only provide covering function without positioning structures, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the circuit board is not positioned and may detach
Solution Approach 1:
Positioning protrusions and positioning grooves are pre-formed on the upper shell and lower shell respectively, so that when the shells are assembled, the circuit board is automatically positioned without requiring additional positioning structures or steps
Solution Approach 2:
The covering function and positioning function are merged into a single integrated shell structure, where the upper and lower shells simultaneously provide both protection and precise positioning for the circuit board through their combined geometry
3Device complexity
If the shell structure is simplified without engagement mechanisms, then the device complexity is reduced, but the base portion may detach from the body shell
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement mechanism is segmented into stopping pieces on the body shell that engage with corresponding recesses on the base portion, creating discrete attachment points that secure the base without requiring a complex overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The stopping pieces and recesses are designed to automatically engage and lock the base portion to the body shell during assembly, providing self-securing functionality without requiring additional fastening mechanisms or complex attachment systems
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical plug connector includes an insulated housing, conductive terminals, and a metallic shell. The insulated housing includes a base portion and recessed portions configured at two sides of the base portion. The conductive terminals are held at the base portion. The metallic shell includes a body shell, two stopping pieces, two holding portions, and an extending sheet. The body shell encloses the base portion and defines two engaging grooves. The stopping pieces are protruded out of lateral inner surfaces of the body shell to engage with the recessed portions. The holding portions allow connections of portions of the body shell spaced by the engaging groove and hold two sides of the circuit board from moving. Engaging pieces of the extending sheet are engaged with the circuit board to prevent the circuit board from being detached from the insulated housing to prevent charging or data transmission failure.