Shielded Cable Connector Locking for Vibration-Stable Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical connectors in harsh environments, such as automobiles, face issues with vibration causing unmating and electrical noise, which disrupt high-speed signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector design featuring an insulative housing with a terminal subassembly and shields, including a position limiting device and stop device, which stabilizes the connection by reducing relative movement and electromagnetic interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the connector is designed for easy assembly and disassembly, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability under vibration is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs a dynamic locking mechanism where the locking member can transition between engaged and disengaged states. The resilient nature of the locking member allows it to dynamically respond to vibration forces while maintaining secure engagement during normal operation, enabling both easy assembly/disassembly and vibration resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is pre-configured to engage with the locking feature before vibration can cause unmating. This preliminary engagement creates a pre-existing counterforce that prevents vibration-induced separation, allowing the connector to resist vibration while maintaining ease of operation through intentional disengagement
2Stability of the object's composition
If the terminal subassembly is firmly fixed in the housing, then the stability is improved, but the detachability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism provides dynamic stability where the locking member firmly secures the terminal subassembly during operation but can be easily disengaged when needed. The resilient locking member maintains strong engagement force while allowing controlled release, achieving both stability and detachability
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system is segmented into distinct components (locking member, locking feature, resilient element) that work together to provide stable fixation during operation while enabling easy detachment. This segmentation allows the terminal subassembly to be firmly held yet readily removable
3Device complexity
If the connector components are simplified, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to prevent relative movement is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides mechanical engagement, resilient force generation, and vibration resistance simultaneously. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the ability to prevent relative movement between connector parts
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member serves multiple purposes: securing the terminal subassembly, resisting vibration forces, and enabling controlled detachment. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining stability, as one component performs what would traditionally require multiple separate elements
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides an electrical connector comprising: an insulative housing shaped to have a hollow cylinder extending in a longitudinal direction and having a mounting end and a mating end; and a terminal subassembly disposed in a cavity inside the insulative housing, the terminal subassembly comprising a subassembly, a first shield and a second shield fixedly disposed outside the subassembly. A mounting portion of the first shield is fixedly disposed outside a mating portion of the second shield, and is mechanically and electrically connected with the mating portion of the second shield. The terminal subassembly is inserted into the insulative housing from the mounting end of the insulative housing, a position limiting device is provided on the terminal subassembly, and a stop device engaging the position limiting device is provided in the cavity of the insulative housing, the stop device engages the position limiting device of the terminal subassembly inserted into the insulative housing, and the terminal subassembly is fixedly disposed in the insulative housing in a detachable manner.