Right-Angle Plug Connector With Low-Profile Forward Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug connectors have long profiles due to cable orientation and latching components, which restrict the placement of other components relative to the receptacle connector, necessitating a need for a more compact design.
Innovation Solution
A plug connector with a perpendicular cable orientation and a deflectable latch that maintains a low profile by locating both the cables and latch forward of the rear housing, allowing other components to be positioned rearward without interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If cables are oriented perpendicular to the mating end and positioned forward of the rear housing, then the profile length is reduced, but the cable routing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensional change by reorienting the cable exit from the traditional longitudinal direction to a perpendicular direction at the front housing. This allows cables to extend in a different spatial dimension (perpendicular to the mating end), reducing the profile length along the original axis while managing cable routing through a redesigned path that exits through the front housing rather than extending from the rear.
2Length of moving object
If the latch is positioned forward of the rear housing, then the overall length is reduced, but the latching mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is repositioned from the rear housing to the front housing, utilizing the front housing structure to accommodate the latch. This spatial relocation reduces the overall length by eliminating the need for the latch to extend from the rear, while the complexity is managed through integration with the front housing's existing structural features.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism is merged with the front housing structure, where the front housing serves dual purposes: protecting internal components and providing the mounting structure for the latch. This consolidation reduces the need for separate rear housing structures and simplifies the overall assembly while maintaining the reduced profile.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the plug connector is designed with a short profile, then component placement flexibility is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves a short profile by changing the dimensional arrangement of components. Cables and the latch are positioned to extend perpendicular to the main body or from the front housing rather than longitudinally from the rear, creating a compact form factor. This dimensional reorganization allows greater flexibility in component placement while the structural complexity is managed through integrated housing designs that accommodate these new arrangements.
Data Source
AI summary
A plug connector includes a plug housing including a mating end and a cable end perpendicular to the mating end. The contact assembly includes an array of contacts each having a mating end and a terminating end. The contacts are right-angle contacts terminated to an end of a conductor of a cable. The plug connector includes a latch coupled to the plug housing. The latch includes a main body and a latch member extending from the main body. The main body has an actuator is configured to actuate the latch. The latch member includes a securing base coupled to the plug housing to secure the latch to the plug housing. The latch member includes a latching tab configured to be latchably coupled to the mating connector to secure the plug connector to the mating connector.