Shielded Electrical Connector Assembly for Stable Longitudinal Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors lack stability in assembly due to the absence of holding structures in the longitudinal direction, leading to potential deformation and dislodgment under external forces.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector design includes an insulative housing with parallel first and second walls, an inner metallic shield with bent side portions attached to the insulative housing, and an outer metallic shield with bent second plates and protrusions/recesses for increased structural strength and interference fit, along with grooves and hook portions to prevent displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If no holding structures are provided in the longitudinal direction, then the device complexity is reduced, but the side plates deform under external force
Solution Approach 1:
The side plates are divided into multiple segments with individual holding structures at different positions along the longitudinal direction. Each segment can be independently secured to the insulative housing, distributing the structural reinforcement across multiple locations rather than requiring a single complex continuous structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding structures are nested within the side plates themselves, with hook portions integrated into the plate structure and engaging with corresponding grooves in the insulative housing. This nested design provides reinforcement without adding external components, maintaining simplicity while improving strength.
2Ease of manufacture
If no holding structures are provided in the longitudinal direction, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the assembly stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The holding structures are pre-formed as integral parts of the side plates during the molding or fabrication process. The hook portions and engagement features are created in advance rather than requiring separate assembly steps, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while ensuring stable assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding structures are designed to automatically engage with the insulative housing during assembly without requiring additional fastening operations. The side plates self-secure to the housing through the interlocking hook and groove mechanism, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps while ensuring stable composition.
3Device complexity
If simple abutting structures are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the components may fall off due to weak holding
Solution Approach 1:
The holding structures utilize curved hook portions that bend into the grooves of the insulative housing, creating a mechanical interlock through curved geometry. This curved engagement provides superior holding strength compared to simple straight abutting surfaces, preventing components from falling off while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding mechanism transitions from simple planar abutting to three-dimensional interlocking through vertically extending hook portions that engage grooves at different depths. This dimensional change from surface contact to volumetric engagement significantly improves holding reliability without adding complex multi-component structures.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes an insulative housing defining a mating slot, an inner metallic shield covering the insulative housing, and an outer metallic shield enclosing the insulative housing. The insulative housing includes a first wall, a second wall and two side walls. The inner metallic shield includes a main plate attached to the first wall and two side portions attached to the two side walls. The outer metallic shield includes a main plate located on the outer side of the main plate and two plates attached to the side portions respectively. The insulative housing is provided with grooves on the second walls. The plate is provided with a hook portion fixed in the groove. The two side portions engage the two plates.