Thickened Shielding Plate for USB-C Connector Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing USB Type C receptacle connectors with embedded metallic shielding plates in the mating tongue lack sufficient strength due to the small dimension of the tongue, particularly during heavy operations.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector design featuring a metallic frame with a thickened front edge and side edges on the mating tongue, formed through metal injection molding, which integrates two rows of contacts and an insulative housing to enhance structural integrity and locking engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a metallic shielding plate is embedded within a mating tongue of the housing for shielding and reinforcing, then shielding capability is improved, but strength is insufficient due to the tiny dimension of the mating tongue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating thickened portions specifically at the front edge and side edges of the metallic shielding plate, rather than uniformly thickening the entire plate. This localized thickening provides enhanced strength and protection at the most vulnerable areas (front edge during insertion and side edges during lateral stress) while maintaining the overall lightweight design and shielding capability of the mating tongue.
2Volume of moving object
If the dimension of the mating tongue is kept tiny for compact design, then compactness is improved, but strength becomes insufficient during heavy operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by maintaining the overall compact size of the mating tongue while introducing localized thickened portions at critical areas. The front edge thickening provides insertion protection, and side edge thickenings provide lateral strength, allowing the mating tongue to remain compact while achieving sufficient strength for heavy operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by combining the metallic shielding plate with the insulative housing material to form the mating tongue. The metallic plate provides electromagnetic shielding and structural reinforcement, while the insulative housing provides mechanical support and protection, creating a composite structure that achieves both compactness and strength.
3Strength
If a thickened metallic structure is added to the front edge, then strength and protection are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the shielding plate function with the structural reinforcement function into a single integrated component. The metallic shielding plate is formed with thickened portions that simultaneously provide electromagnetic shielding and mechanical strength, eliminating the need for separate reinforcement elements and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The metallic shielding plate serves multiple functions: it provides electromagnetic shielding, structural reinforcement at the front edge, and lateral support through side edge thickenings. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device complexity while achieving enhanced strength and protection.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes a metallic frame, an insulative housing and two rows of contacts. The metallic frame made by metal injection molding and includes a main part and a first plat section. Two rows of contacts are respectively located by two sides of the first plate section in the vertical direction. The housing is secured to both the contacts and the frame and forms a mating tongue enclosing the first plate section. Thickened portions are formed on a front edge and two opposite side edges of the first plate section, and exposed upon a front edge and two opposite side edges of the mating tongue.