Plug Connector Housing Latching via Deformed Tongue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional plug connectors using metallic housings held by mechanical screws are costly, require precision tools, and occupy valuable space, with screws prone to damage and difficult to repair, especially in miniaturized designs.
Innovation Solution
A plug connector design featuring a tongue extending from one housing that latches into a receiving space on the other, eliminating the need for external screws and allowing for automated assembly without occupying internal space, while providing a tamper-evident mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If mechanical screws are used to hold the two housings together, then the housing assembly is secure, but the cost increases due to additional components and assembly complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the fastening function directly into the housing structure by forming a tongue feature as an integral part of one housing that engages with a receiving space in the other housing. This eliminates the need for separate screws and locking components, merging the structural and fastening functions into a single unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the unnecessary screw components and locking mechanisms from the assembly, retaining only the essential tongue and receiving space features that are inherently part of the housing structure. This extraction of redundant components simplifies the overall device while maintaining assembly security.
2Strength
If mechanical screws are used to assemble the housings, then the connection is secure, but the assembly process requires precision tools and operator labour
Solution Approach 1:
The tongue feature is designed to automatically engage with the receiving space through simple insertion, allowing the housing assembly to self-assemble without requiring precision tools or skilled operator intervention. The elastic deformation of the tongue provides self-aligning and self-latching capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes elastic deformation as a key parameter change, allowing the tongue to temporarily deform during assembly and then recover to lock into place. This elastic behavior enables simple manual or automated insertion without requiring complex tooling or precision alignment procedures.
3Strength
If screws are used for housing assembly, then the connection is secure, but the screws occupy valuable internal space in miniaturized designs
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening function is merged into the housing structure itself through the tongue feature, eliminating the need for separate screw components that would occupy internal space. The tongue and receiving space are formed as integral features of the housing walls, maximizing internal volume availability.
4Strength
If mechanical screws with locking systems are used, then the housing connection is secure, but the screws are costly in terms of piece parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the unnecessary screw components and separate locking systems (such as Loctite thread locker epoxy) from the assembly, retaining only the essential tongue feature that is formed as part of the housing structure. This reduction in component quantity directly lowers material costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The tongue feature is designed as a simple, inexpensive structural element that can be easily formed during housing manufacturing, replacing costly screw and locking system combinations. The simple geometry of the tongue allows for cost-effective production through standard molding or machining processes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The tongue-based latching mechanism reduces costs, simplifies assembly, saves internal space, and ensures secure housing without the need for additional components, while providing a clear indication of tampering.
Implementation Method 1
the tongue is deformed to latch within the receiving space
Data Source
AI summary
A plug connector includes: a housing module having a mating end and including a first housing and a second housing assembled with the first housing to define a cavity therebetween; and a mating board received in the cavity and exposed to an exterior at a position close to the mating end; wherein the first housing has a main portion and a tongue extending from the main portion, the second housing has a receiving space receiving the tongue, and the tongue is deformed to latch within the receiving space.