USB-C Connector Grounding via Waterproof Glue Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
USB Type C electrical connectors face challenges with waterproofing and grounding, as they are prone to water ingress in humid environments and require additional manufacturing steps and increased printed circuit board space for grounding connections.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector design includes a first and second insulating housing, conductive terminals, a shielding plate, an inner metal shell, an outer metal shell, and a waterproof plate formed by glue injection, which establishes a grounding connection and enhances waterproofing without additional molding processes, reducing the need for extra ground area on the printed circuit board.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an elastic sheet is torn from the metal shell surface for grounding, then grounding function is achieved, but water can easily enter through the gap affecting waterproof performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the grounding function into two separate components: the elastic sheet torn from the metal shell for grounding contact, and a separate waterproof plate that blocks water ingress paths. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproof plate acts as an intermediary element between the metal shell and the insulating cover, blocking water from entering through gaps while allowing the elastic sheet to maintain its grounding function. The waterproof plate mediates between the grounding requirement and waterproofing requirement.
2Reliability
If a slot is opened in the insulative cover and glue is injected to form a waterproof plate, then waterproof performance is improved, but the molding process becomes more complex and production efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof plate is designed to be formed by injecting glue into a pre-formed slot during the insulating cover molding process. This preliminary action integrates the waterproofing function into the existing molding process rather than requiring separate post-processing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the waterproof plate formation with the insulating cover molding process by injecting glue into slots formed during the same molding operation. This combining of operations eliminates additional molding steps and improves production efficiency.
3Reliability
If an outer metal shell is welded onto the integrated inner metal shell for grounding, then grounding function is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the grounding function from the metal shell structure and assigns it to a separate elastic sheet component. This extraction simplifies the metal shell design and eliminates the need for complex welding operations to achieve grounding.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic sheet is torn from the metal shell surface itself, utilizing the metal shell material to create the grounding component. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate grounding components and complex assembly operations.
4Reliability
If the first tail portions and second tail portions are arranged in spaced rows, then grounding connection is established, but the area required on the printed circuit board increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar arrangement of ground connections to a three-dimensional structure using the waterproof plate. The waterproof plate extends vertically between the first and second rows of tail portions, providing grounding connection through the thickness dimension rather than requiring additional lateral space on the PCB.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproof plate functions as a thin film structure that provides both waterproofing and grounding functions. This thin film approach allows grounding connections to be established without requiring large areas, as the grounding path is created through the vertical thickness of the plate rather than lateral expansion.
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 improves waterproofing, optimizes product appearance, and reduces the required ground area on the printed circuit board while maintaining effective grounding and electromagnetic shielding.
Implementation Method 1
a waterproof plate (102) formed between the first tail portions (31) and the second tail portions (41) by glue injection
Implementation Method 2
a shielding plate (5), an inner metal shell (8), an outer metal shell (9)... grounding connection among the inner metal shell, the shielding plate and the outer metal shell is established
Implementation Method 3
The electrical connector is torn on the surface of the metal shell to form an elastic sheet, and the elastic sheet is used to abut against the mating connector for grounding
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses an electrical connector including a first lower insulating housing, a second upper insulating housing, a number of first conductive terminals held on the first lower insulating housing, and a number of second conductive terminals held on the second upper insulating housing. Each first conductive terminal includes a first tail portion for connecting with a printed circuit board. Each second conductive terminal includes a second tail portion for connecting with the printed circuit board. The first tail portions are arranged in a first and front row and the second tail portions are arranged in a second and rear row spaced away from the first and front row. A waterproof plate is formed between the first tail portions and the second tail portions by glue injection.