Stepped Latch Panel Mount Header Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing header connectors are limited in accommodating a range of panel thicknesses, requiring multiple connectors for different thicknesses and increasing the surface area, which complicates installation and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A panel-mountable header connector with a housing and latch set that includes a stepped design with a biasing segment, allowing the connector to accommodate various panel thicknesses by adjusting the engagement of latches and a flange to apply a biasing force, reducing the need for multiple connectors and minimizing surface area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different header connectors are used to accommodate various panel thicknesses, then the connector can fit different panel thicknesses, but the device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector housing is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate multiple panel thicknesses through a single connector type. The housing includes adjustable retention mechanisms (latches and clips) that can adapt to different thickness ranges, eliminating the need for multiple specialized connectors for different panel thicknesses.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through movable latches and clips that can be positioned at different locations along the housing. This allows the retention mechanism to adapt to varying panel thicknesses dynamically, providing versatility without requiring multiple static connector designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the connector is designed to accommodate various panel thicknesses, then the versatility improves, but the housing size and surface area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retention mechanisms (latches and clips) are nested within the housing structure rather than extending outward. This nested arrangement allows the connector to accommodate various panel thicknesses while maintaining a compact external footprint, as the adjustment mechanisms are contained within the housing boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector achieves thickness accommodation through adjustments in the longitudinal dimension (along the panel thickness direction) rather than increasing the lateral footprint. The latches and clips move along the length of the housing to accommodate different thicknesses, keeping the connector's surface area on the panel minimal.
3Device complexity
If a single connector design is used for all panel thicknesses, then the device complexity reduces, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retention mechanism is segmented into discrete adjustable components (latches and clips) that can be positioned at specific intervals along the housing. This segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing of each component while providing precise adjustment capabilities through the modular nature of the segmented design.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector uses adjustable parameters (latch position, clip position) rather than fixed dimensions to accommodate different panel thicknesses. This allows standard manufacturing processes to produce the components with reasonable tolerances, while the final fit is achieved through parameter adjustment rather than requiring ultra-precise manufacturing for each thickness variant.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution allows for secure mounting of header connectors across a range of panel thicknesses, reducing the need for multiple connector types and minimizing the surface area required, thereby simplifying installation and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one biasing segment including a lug that protrudes from the front wall, the at least one biasing segment defining at least one aperture that is axially rearward of the front wall, the at least one lug being at least partially deflectable and being configured to flex rearward at least partially into the at least one aperture
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A panel-mountable header connector (100) includes conductors (106) and a housing (104). The housing (104) holds the conductors (106) in a cavity (108) of the housing (104). The housing (104) has a front end (110) and a rear end (112). The housing (104) has a latch set (116) and a stop feature (118) which define a panel mounting zone (120) there between. The panel mounting zone (120) is configured to align with an opening (122) in a panel (102) when the housing (104) is mounted to the panel (102). The latch set (116) is configured to engage a front side (124) of the panel (102), and the stop feature (118) is configured to engage a rear side (126) of the panel (102) to retain the panel (102) in the panel mounting zone (120). At least one of the latch set (116) or the stop feature (118) is stepped such that a width of the panel mounting zone (120) is variable to accommodate the panel (102) having one of multiple thicknesses.