Staggered Connector Contact Layout for Reduced Width
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors have a large width dimension, which is a challenge for miniaturization in electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
The connector design incorporates a partition portion with staggered accommodating ditches arranged in two groups, allowing contacts to be partially received in these ditches, reducing the width dimension by extending across the partition's middle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the partition portion thickness is reduced in the width direction, then the connector size in the width direction is reduced, but the structural strength and contact accommodation capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The partition portion is segmented into multiple accommodating ditches arranged in a specific pattern, creating a lattice-like structure that maintains strength while reducing material usage and overall width. The ditches are distributed in groups across the partition portion, dividing the solid mass into functional segments that accommodate contacts while reducing the partition thickness in the width direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The accommodating ditches are arranged in a two-dimensional pattern across the partition portion, with ditches positioned at different locations including corners and edges. This spatial distribution allows the partition to maintain structural integrity through geometric configuration rather than relying solely on thickness, enabling width reduction while preserving strength.
2Length of stationary object
If the partition portion thickness is reduced, then the connector width is reduced, but the contact accommodation and receiving capability may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The partition portion is divided into multiple accommodating ditches that are spatially distributed across the partition. Each ditch is designed to accommodate specific contacts, with the ditches arranged in groups at different positions including corners and edges. This segmentation allows efficient contact accommodation within a reduced width footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The accommodating ditches are arranged in a two-dimensional distribution pattern across the partition portion rather than being concentrated in one area. This spatial arrangement maximizes the use of available space, allowing the partition to accommodate multiple contacts while maintaining a compact width dimension.
Data Source
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AI summary
A connector has an insulator and a plurality of contacts. The insulator has a partition portion. The partition portion is formed with a plurality of accommodating ditches. The accommodating ditches are classified into two groups. The accommodating ditches of one of the groups are different in position from the accommodating ditches of a remaining one of the groups in a pitch direction. Each of the accommodating ditches has a receiving portion. In a width direction, the receiving portion extends across a middle of the partition portion. The contacts correspond to the accommodating ditches, respectively. Each of the contacts is partially accommodated in the corresponding accommodating ditch. Each of the contacts has a distal end portion. The receiving portion of each of the accommodating ditches is able to receive, at least in part, the distal end portion of the corresponding contact upon mating of the connector with a mating connector.