SATA Connector Direct Flexible Flat Cable Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SATA connectors with flexible flat cables require complex PCB-based connection processes, leading to signal attenuation and larger sizes due to the need for multiple welding steps.
Innovation Solution
Direct electrical coupling of terminals to a flexible flat cable within an insulative housing, eliminating the need for a PCB and allowing for simpler assembly, reduced signal loss, and compact design through the use of slots, extending portions, and a cover for secure connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If PCB-based connection is used to connect terminals to flexible flat cable, then electrical connection is achieved, but assembly process becomes complex and size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the PCB from the connection structure, directly connecting the terminals to the flexible flat cable through the insulative housing slots. This eliminates the intermediate PCB layer, simplifying the assembly process and reducing device complexity while maintaining electrical connection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the terminal connection function directly into the insulative housing structure by providing slots that receive both the terminals and the flexible flat cable. This integration eliminates the need for a separate PCB, combining multiple functions into a single streamlined structure.
2Reliability
If PCB-based connection with multiple welding paths is used, then electrical connection is established, but signal attenuation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the PCB-based multiple-path welding structure and replaces it with a direct single-path connection through the insulative housing slots. This eliminates unnecessary signal transmission paths and welding joints, reducing signal attenuation and improving signal transmission quality.
3Ease of manufacture
If PCB is included in the SATA connector structure, then electrical connection is achieved, but connector size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the PCB component from the connector structure, directly connecting terminals to the flexible flat cable through the insulative housing. This removal of the PCB significantly reduces the connector volume while maintaining full electrical connection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the terminal mounting function and cable connection function into the insulative housing structure itself, eliminating the need for a separate PCB layer. This integration reduces the overall connector size while preserving electrical connection functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A SATA connector including an insulative housing and a plurality of terminals are provided. The insulative housing has a plurality of slots into which external terminals are inserted, and the slots run through the insulative housing from a front side to a rear side. The terminals include a plurality of mating portions inserted into the slots and a plurality of extending portions led from the rear side of the insulative housing. Ends of the extending portions are collected on the rear side of the insulative housing to form a plurality of contact pads for electrically coupling to a flexible flat cable. An electrical connector assembly including the above-mentioned SATA connector is further provided.