Stacked RJ-45 and USB Type-C Connector Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of USB type-C and RJ-45 connectors into a stacked receptacle connector is challenging due to the small size of USB type-C, making separate mounting and soldering complex and space-consuming on a common substrate.
Innovation Solution
A stacked receptacle connector design with an insulative housing featuring a first and second receiving cavity, a mounting cavity, and a printed circuit board (PCB) that integrates both connectors, allowing for a single mounting process to a substrate, using top and bottom terminals connected to the PCB and footer pins for electrical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If USB type-C receptacle connector and RJ-45 receptacle connector are separately mounted to a common substrate, then each connector can be independently installed, but the mounting process becomes complex and the substrate requires more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the USB type-C receptacle connector and RJ-45 receptacle connector into a single integrated stacked connector assembly. The USB type-C connector is positioned within the housing of the RJ-45 connector, allowing both connectors to be mounted together as one unit to the substrate. This merging eliminates the need for separate mounting processes and reduces the overall space required on the substrate while maintaining independent functionality of each connector type.
2Area of stationary object
If USB type-C receptacle connector and RJ-45 receptacle connector are separately mounted to a common substrate, then each connector can be independently installed, but the substrate requires more space for mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where the USB type-C receptacle connector is positioned inside the housing structure of the RJ-45 receptacle connector. The USB type-C connector's outer shell is received within the RJ-45 connector housing, creating a compact stacked configuration. This nesting approach significantly reduces the footprint on the substrate compared to separate mounting, while the internal structure provides adequate space for both connectors' functional components.
3Area of stationary object
If USB type-C connector is integrated into RJ-45 receptacle connector, then space is saved, but the small size of USB type-C makes integration difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specialized housing structure for the RJ-45 connector that includes an integrated cavity specifically designed to receive the USB type-C connector. The housing features a rear opening that provides access to the mounting cavity for the USB type-C connector, while the side openings accommodate the RJ-45 connector contacts. This localized structural design facilitates the integration of the smaller USB type-C connector within the larger RJ-45 housing, making the manufacturing process more manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
A stacked receptacle connector includes an insulative housing forming a first receiving cavity extending along a front-to-back direction, a second receiving cavity stacked on the first receiving cavity along a vertical direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction, and a mounting cavity located behind and communicating with the first and second receiving cavities. A printed circuit board (PCB) is mounted to the mounting cavity. A first connector having a front portion received in the first receiving cavity and a rear portion connected to the PCB. The first connector is fitted to be inserted by a first plug connector along two opposite direction. A plurality of contacts each has a mating portion received in the second receiving cavity and a mounting portion connected with the PCB. A plurality of footer pins connected the PCB to electrically connect the first connector and the contacts to an exterior substrate.