Receptacle Connector Insulative Housing Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing receptacle connectors face issues with deformation and over-molding of insulative housings due to the metal case, leading to a need for a simpler and more effective design.
Innovation Solution
A receptacle connector design featuring a first and second insulative housing with forwardly extending tongue portions, metallic shielding plate, and a shielding shell, where the metallic shielding plate contacts the stepping portions of both housings to prevent deformation, and the terminals are positioned for 180-degree symmetry to accommodate plug insertion in either orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a metal case is engaged with insulative housings to provide shielding and structural support, then the connector gains improved shielding effectiveness and mechanical strength, but the insulative housings are squeezed and deformed during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The insulative housing is divided into multiple separate components (first insulative base, second insulative base, third insulative housing) that are assembled together without mutual interference. Each component can be independently manufactured and positioned, eliminating the deformation caused by forced engagement of a single monolithic housing structure with the metal case.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested assembly structure where the first and second insulative bases are positioned within the third insulative housing, and the metal case is engaged with this nested arrangement. The tongue portion extends through the third insulative housing to provide structural support without causing deformation to the base portions, as each component fits into its designated space without forcing others.
2Ease of manufacture
If over-molding is used to assemble multiple insulative housing components with the metal case, then the connector achieves integrated assembly and improved structural unity, but the insulative housings are squeezed and deformed during the molding process
Solution Approach 1:
The insulative housing is segmented into multiple independently manufacturable components (first insulative base, second insulative base, third insulative housing) that are assembled through precise mechanical fitting rather than forced over-molding. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately without deformation and then integrated through the nested assembly structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The tongue portion acts as an intermediary structural element that connects the first and second insulative bases to the third insulative housing. It provides a bridging mechanism that allows the metal case to be engaged with the overall assembly without directly forcing the base portions, thereby preventing deformation while maintaining structural unity.
3Device complexity
If the connector design requires specific orientation for plug insertion, then the contact alignment is simplified, but the connector loses versatility and requires precise positioning during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric design elements in the insulative housing components and contact arrangements that naturally guide plug insertion while maintaining versatility. The first and second insulative bases are positioned asymmetrically within the third insulative housing, creating a configuration that accommodates plug insertion in multiple orientations without requiring complex alignment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The nested insulative housing structure with the extending tongue portion creates a universal connector design that can accommodate plug insertion from either orientation (0 degrees or 180 degrees). The asymmetric positioning of contacts within the segmented housing allows the same structure to serve multiple insertion configurations, eliminating the need for orientation-specific designs.
Data Source
AI summary
A receptacle connector includes a first housing, a second housing, a number of first contacts and second contacts, a metallic plate sandwiched between the first housing and the second housing, and a shielding shell. The first housing has a first base and a first tongue portion. The first tongue portion has a connection portion close to the first base and a first stepping portion in a lower surface. The second housing has a second tongue portion. The second tongue portion has a second stepping portion in an upper surface. Each first contact has a first affixed portion. The metallic plate has a connecting section inclining with the connection portion and the first affixed portion in a same direction and an opening receiving the first stepping portion and the second stepping portion. The first stepping portion and the second stepping portion contacts with each other through the opening.