Shielded Connector Light Guide Latching Without Side-Wall Apertures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies with light guiding pipes face issues such as reduced electromagnetic interference suppression due to apertures for latching structures, insufficient assembly strength, and difficulty in sideward assembly or detachment, leading to increased pitch requirements for shield cages and potential inability to detach light guiding pipes after assembly.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly featuring a guiding shield cage with a light guide member and assembling construction, including a first latching construction between the light guide member and the supporting plate, and a second latching construction between the light guide member and the top wall, using a supporting plate with a latching block and a protrude piece with a latching notch, allowing for stable and reliable fixation and easy assembly/detachment of light guiding pipes without additional apertures in the side wall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If latching members are formed by stamping the side wall of the cage to create apertures, then the latching structure can be integrated into the cage, but the electromagnetic interference suppressing effect of the cage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The latching structure is segmented into separate components: the supporting plate with connecting posts remains integrated with the cage, while the latching members are separate elements that engage with the posts. This segmentation eliminates the need for apertures in the cage wall, preserving EMI suppression while maintaining manufacturability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting posts serve as intermediaries between the supporting plate and the latching members. These posts extend from the supporting plate and provide engagement surfaces for the latching members, enabling the latching function without requiring apertures through the cage wall.
2Device complexity
If only C-shaped latching grooves are used for latching, then the structure is simple, but the assembly strength is insufficient and not firm
Solution Approach 1:
The latching structure merges multiple engagement mechanisms: the C-shaped latching groove provides initial engagement, while additional latching features (such as protrusions engaging with grooves or holes) provide secondary reinforcement. This combination of multiple latching actions significantly strengthens the assembly while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
3Ease of operation
If light guiding pipes are assembled sideward, then they can be attached to the cage, but a space must be reserved at the side surface of the cage, increasing the pitch requirement for shield cages
Solution Approach 1:
The latching direction is changed from lateral (sideward) to vertical. The latching members engage with the connecting posts by moving upward or downward along the vertical axis, rather than requiring lateral movement. This dimensional change eliminates the need for additional side surface space, allowing compact arrangement of shield cages while maintaining ease of assembly operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly includes a guiding shield cage, a light guide member and a light guide member assembling construction. The guiding shield cage includes a top wall, a side wall, a bottom wall, and a supporting plate which extends from the bottom wall and is positioned at an outer side of the side wall. The light guide member is provided at the outer side of the side wall of the guiding shield cage and is upwardly supported by the supporting plate. The light guide member assembling construction includes a first latching construction and a second latching construction, the first latching construction is provided between the light guide member and the supporting plate which extends from the bottom wall, the second latching construction is provided between the light guide member and the top wall.