Strain Relief Latch for Electrical Connector Size Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrical connector systems face challenges in reducing size while maintaining mechanical and electrical reliability, especially at smaller contact pitches, and are often expensive and lacking in customization options.

Innovation Solution

The electrical connector system incorporates a strain relief with a longitudinal base and curved latches, optimized for secure attachment and reduced stress, along with a connector housing design that enables blind mating and reduced overall size, including guiding and securing elements to minimize space usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If contact pitch is reduced to decrease interconnect size, then the number of electrical connections per unit space increases, but mechanical and electrical reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterconnect sizeVSAvoidmechanical and electrical reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the connector components, specifically designing the contact portion with optimized dimensions and the housing with specific wall thicknesses and reinforcement features. These parameter changes allow the connector to maintain reliability at smaller pitches by strengthening the structural integrity without increasing overall size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The connector is divided into distinct functional segments: a contact portion with electrical contacts, a housing with guiding features, and a strain relief portion. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function, enabling reliable small-pitch connections while maintaining overall compactness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If additional components such as latching mechanisms or cable strain relief are included, then functionality and reliability improve, but overall interconnect size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical reliabilityVSAvoidoverall interconnect size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the strain relief functionality directly into the housing structure through integrally formed portions, rather than using separate components. The housing includes built-in strain relief features and guiding elements that work together with the contact portion, eliminating the need for additional discrete parts and reducing overall size while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional connector designs are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but customization to meet specific end user needs is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidcustomization flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connector design incorporates universal features such as standardized contact arrangements, interchangeable housing components, and adaptable strain relief configurations that can accommodate different cable types and connection requirements. This multi-functionality allows the same basic design to be customized for various end-user needs without requiring completely different connector architectures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 results in a smaller, more reliable, and cost-effective electrical connector system that can accommodate various pitches, such as 0.050″ and 2.0 mm, with improved mechanical and electrical performance, and flexibility to meet specific user needs.

Implementation Method 1

The arm portion is configured to resiliently deflect outwardly to accommodate secure attachment of the strain relief to an electrical connector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

Each latch includes a curved connecting portion extending from a lateral side of the base portion first curving upwardly and then curving downwardly and terminating at an arm portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStress distribution through curvature: Geometry

Data Source

PatentUS9553401B2Electrical connector for strain relief for an electrical cable

Publication Date: 2017.01.24 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO

AI summary

A strain relief for an electrical cable includes a longitudinal base portion including curved side portions extending upwardly from opposing longitudinal sides thereof, and first and second opposing strain relief latches extending from opposing lateral sides of the base portion. Each latch includes a curved connecting portion extending from a lateral side of the base portion first curving upwardly and then curving downwardly and terminating at an arm portion that extends downwardly. The arm portion is configured to resiliently deflect outwardly to accommodate secure attachment of the strain relief to an electrical connector.