Square Electrical Connector Assembly with Pivotal Interlocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical connector assemblies require a frame structure for fixation in both vertical and horizontal directions, and lack an easy rotational assembly method without external frames.

Innovation Solution

A square arrangement of four connector units with vertically and horizontally staggered structures and interengaging mechanisms, including outer and inner interengaging structures, allows for secure assembly and pivotal connection between units, eliminating the need for a surrounding frame.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a frame structure is used to integrate connector units, then fixation between neighboring units is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation between connector unitsVSAvoidframe structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the external frame structure from the connector assembly, extracting the framing function and integrating it directly into the connector units themselves through interengaging structures formed on the housing sides

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the functions of the frame structure and connector units into a single integrated assembly, where the connector units directly engage with each other through interengaging structures without requiring a separate frame

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Stability of the object's composition

If traditional interengaging structures are used, then fixation in vertical direction is achieved, but ease of operation decreases due to lack of rotational assembly capability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation in vertical directionVSAvoidassembly method

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dynamic assembly process where connector units can be rotationally assembled into position through the pivotal action of the post and hole interengaging structures, transitioning from static fixation to dynamic assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If connector units are assembled without outer interengaging structures, then ease of assembly improves, but stability in horizontal direction deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly processVSAvoidfixation in horizontal direction

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric interengaging structures where posts on one connector unit engage with corresponding holes on adjacent units, creating directional stability that guides rotational assembly while maintaining horizontal fixation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS9368890B1Electrical connector assembly

Publication Date: 2016.06.14 FOXCONN INTERCONNECT TECHNOLOGY LTD

AI summary

An electrical connector assembly essentially consists of four connector units neighboring with one another each occupying a quadrant in a square manner so that each connector units defines two unexposed neighboring sides and two exposed outer sides. Each connector unit includes an insulative housing with a plurality of passageways to receive the corresponding contacts therein. A vertically and horizontally staggered structure is formed on each neighboring side of the housing. A pair of inner interengaging structures and a pair of outer neighboring structures are respectively formed on two opposite ends of the corresponding neighboring sides of the neighboring connector units so as to allow the neighboring connector units to be assembled in a pivotal way with the pair of outer interengaging structures as a fulcrum.