Sheet Metal Connector Retention Assembly with Rotatable Dividers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connector alignment and retention assemblies for computing devices are costly due to the use of numerous machined parts that require complex and time-consuming assembly processes, making it challenging to fit customized connectors into tight spaces while maintaining proper alignment and retention.
Innovation Solution
A connector retention and alignment assembly using flexible and resilient sidewalls with rotatable middle walls, fabricated from sheet metal, which allows for easier assembly and reduced material costs by providing outward movement during installation and springing back into place for retention, integrating pusher/holder assemblies into the base or cover for simplified manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If numerous machined parts are used to provide connector alignment and retention, then proper alignment and retention of connectors is achieved, but manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate machined parts (side walls, middle walls, connector retainers, alignment features) into a single integrated sheet metal structure. The side walls and middle walls are formed as one piece with built-in retention features and alignment gaps, eliminating the need for separate retainers and multiple assembly steps while maintaining precise connector positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible sheet metal walls instead of rigid machined parts. The side walls and middle walls are designed with inherent flexibility that allows them to spring outward during connector insertion and then spring back to retain the connector, providing both alignment and retention functions through the sheet metal's elastic deformation rather than through complex mechanical retention mechanisms.
2Manufacturing precision
If customized connectors are fitted into tight spaces, then proper connector positioning is achieved, but assembly time and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pre-formed gaps between the middle walls and the side walls during the sheet metal forming process itself. These gaps are built into the structure before assembly, providing automatic alignment features that guide connectors into their correct positions as they are inserted, eliminating the need for time-consuming post-assembly adjustment or alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the connector assembly space into separate zones using middle walls positioned between adjacent connectors. This segmentation allows each connector to be independently positioned and retained while maintaining precise spacing, and the modular wall structure can be easily assembled by simply attaching the divided sections to the side walls.
3Strength
If machined parts are used for connector assembly, then structural strength is maintained, but material cost and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material form from rigid machined parts to flexible sheet metal with controlled elastic properties. The side walls and middle walls are designed with specific thicknesses and geometries that provide the necessary retention force through elastic spring action, maintaining structural strength while enabling simpler, more cost-effective manufacturing through sheet metal forming rather than machining.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the sheet metal walls to automatically provide their own retention mechanism through their inherent flexibility. When a connector is inserted, the side walls and middle walls spring outward to accommodate it, then spring back to apply retention force, eliminating the need for separate retention mechanisms or complex fastening systems that would increase manufacturing complexity and cost.
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
This solution reduces manufacturing and assembly costs significantly, facilitates easier assembly, and maintains precise alignment and retention of connectors, addressing the complexity and expense issues of traditional machined part assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
The connector engagement member includes a resilient body that can be deformed from a first, non-deformed position to a second, deformed position. The resilient body is configured to apply an inward directed force when returning to its non-deformed position, providing retention of the connector.
Implementation Method 2
The resilient body is configured to be deformed from a first, non-deformed position to a second, deformed position as the connector is installed. The resilient body applies an inward directed force when returning to its non-deformed position, demonstrating spring-like energy storage and release.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable connector assembly useful for properly aligning/positioning and retaining (during connecting and disconnecting) a number of connectors for computing devices. The assembly uses left and right side walls with flexible and resilient connector engagement members that provide at least some amount of outward “give” or movement to facilitate assembly but are designed to spring back into place after insertion of the connectors. The engagement members of the left and right side walls may each take the form of a leaf spring that can be flexed a distance outward but then spring back to or towards a non-deformed state to mate with and apply an inward retention force against the adjacent connector. The assembly includes removable and rotatable middle walls or dividers that are placed on posts extending upward from the inner surface of the assembly's base and allowed to rotate about the posts during the assembly process.