U-Shaped Collar Shell Electrical Connector Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical connectors with integrally molded metallic reinforcers complicate the assembly process and hinder smooth operation due to their design, which affects the ease of use and efficiency in transmitting power or grounding.

Innovation Solution

An electrical connector design featuring a grounding shell composed of two U-shaped collar shells oppositely assembled onto an insulative body, with an insulator injected around the collar shells and a metallic shell assembled on top, where the collar shells have spring arms extending to contact the metallic shell for effective grounding and static electricity removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an integrally molded metallic reinforcer is used, then grounding functionality is provided, but assembly process becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrounding functionalityVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The metallic reinforcer is divided into multiple separate components: collar shells, insulator, and metallic shell, which can be assembled step-by-step rather than requiring complex integral molding. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining grounding functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The grounding structure uses a nested arrangement where collar shells are assembled onto the insulative body, the insulator is injected over the collar shells, and the metallic shell is assembled upon the insulator. This nested configuration allows for simplified sequential assembly while achieving the same grounding function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If an integrally molded metallic reinforcer is used, then grounding is provided, but operation smoothness is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrounding functionVSAvoidoperation smoothness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the grounding structure into separate collar shells and metallic shell components, the design allows for smoother operation during connector engagement and disengagement, eliminating the operational hindrances caused by rigid integral structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The collar shells are designed with elastic arms that can flex and adapt during assembly and operation, providing dynamic adjustment that improves operational smoothness compared to rigid integral structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If collar shells with spring arms are used, then static electricity discharge is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestatic electricity dischargeVSAvoidcollar shell structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring arms on the collar shells are designed to automatically contact the metallic shell through elastic deformation during assembly, eliminating the need for additional adjustment mechanisms or complex control systems. The structure self-adjusts to ensure proper electrical contact for static electricity discharge.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

This design enhances the assembly process, improves the grounding functionality, and provides effective static electricity discharge while maintaining a waterproof and reliable connection.

Implementation Method 1

Each collar shell includes a spring arm extending beyond said insulator and abutting against said metallic shell

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS9923317B2Electrical connector with collar shell retained therein

Publication Date: 2018.03.20 FOXCONN INTERCONNECT TECHNOLOGY LTD

AI summary

An electrical connector comprising an insulative body, a plurality of terminals secured in said insulative body, and a grounding shell. Wherein said grounding shell is composed of two U-shaped collar shells oppositely assembled onto said insulative body. The connector also includes an insulator injected upon said grounding shell and a metallic shell assembled upon said insulator. Each collar shell includes a spring arm extending beyond said insulator and abutting against said metallic shell.