Compact USB Type-C Connector Assembly with Internal Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connector assemblies for USB Type-C connectors are large in size and complex in construction, making them unsuitable for thinner devices like mobile phones, where they may interfere with the device's chassis and lack the necessary reinforcement to prevent breakage.
Innovation Solution
The proposed electrical connector assembly features a first insulative housing with conductive terminals arranged in two rows, a latch for secure locking, and a metal shell for sealing and anti-electromagnetic interference, along with a second connector with a tongue portion and reinforcing piece, allowing for a compact design and secure mating without an outer metallic shell, suitable for thinner devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a traditional USB Type-C connector assembly with outer metallic shell is used, then electromagnetic shielding and structural protection are improved, but the overall size increases and it becomes unsuitable for thinner devices
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the outer metallic shell from the traditional USB Type-C connector assembly, retaining only the essential functional components (insulative housing, conductive terminals, and internal metal shell) needed for connectivity and basic protection, thereby reducing overall size while maintaining core functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements a nested structure where the first metal shell is positioned inside the insulative housing, and the second electrical connector's tongue portion is received within the receiving room of the first electrical connector, creating a compact nested arrangement that minimizes overall dimensions
2Adaptability or versatility
If the connector assembly is reduced in size for thinner devices, then adaptability to mobile phones is improved, but structural strength decreases and breakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by incorporating a reinforcing piece specifically at the tongue portion of the second electrical connector, which is the most vulnerable area during insertion and extraction operations, thereby providing localized strength enhancement without increasing overall connector size
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite material construction combining insulative housing material with metal shell and reinforcing piece materials, creating a hybrid structure that leverages the advantages of both insulative materials (electrical isolation, lightweight) and metal materials (strength, durability) in appropriate locations
3Volume of moving object
If a compact connector design without outer metallic shell is used, then device thickness is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases due to precise fitting requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the connector assembly into distinct functional modules: first electrical connector (with insulative housing, conductive terminals, and internal metal shell) and second electrical connector (with tongue portion and reinforcing piece), allowing independent manufacturing and assembly of precision components
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements preliminary action by pre-forming the receiving room in the first insulative housing with precise dimensions and pre-positioning the metal shell components before final assembly, ensuring proper fit and alignment is achieved through pre-prepared structural features rather than complex adjustment mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector assembly includes a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector. The first electrical connector includes a first insulative housing having a receiving room, a number of conductive terminals affixed to the first insulative housing, and a metal shell enclosing the first insulative housing. The insulative housing defines a top wall and a bottom wall separated from the top wall. The conductive terminals are arranged in an upper row and a lower row. The second electrical connector includes a second insulative housing having a tongue portion extending forwardly and a number of mating terminals disposed on the tongue portion. The first electrical connector is located in an electrical device. The tongue portion of the second electrical connector is received in the receiving room of the first insulative housing. The tongue portion is sandwiched between the top wall and the bottom wall.