USB-C Connector Assembly With Elastic Snap Lock Against Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
USB-C connectors lack a locking structure to securely maintain the mating state, leading to potential disconnection under vibration and signal interruption.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring an insulator, terminal, shield case, and outer housing with an elastic snap lock mechanism that ensures secure locking with a mating connector through an elastic snap lock extending from the outer housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If no locking structure is provided on USB-C connectors, then the connector structure remains simple, but the connector may disconnect under vibration causing signal interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate components: an elastic snap lock on one connector and a corresponding snap slot on the mating connector. This segmentation allows each part to have a specific function while maintaining overall structural simplicity. The elastic snap lock includes first and second elastic arms that can independently engage with the snap slot to provide reliable locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic snap lock utilizes elastic deformation of the first and second elastic arms to provide a dynamic locking mechanism. The arms can flex during insertion and then return to their original position to engage with the snap slot, creating a secure connection that can dynamically respond to external forces like vibration without disconnecting.
2Reliability
If a locking structure is added to prevent disconnection, then connection stability improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic snap lock is integrated with the shield case structure, combining the locking function with the existing protective housing. This merging reduces the need for separate locking components and simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the number of assembly steps required.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic arms of the snap lock automatically engage with the snap slot during the normal insertion process without requiring additional manual operation. The elastic deformation and recovery of the arms provide self-locking functionality, eliminating the need for separate locking operations or complex assembly procedures.
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 elastic snap lock mechanism effectively prevents disconnection due to vibration, ensuring stable signal transmission by maintaining a secure mating state between USB-C connectors.
Implementation Method 1
The shield case is provided with an elastic snap lock, extending from the outer housing and being configured to be locked to a mating connector
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes an insulator. The connector further includes a terminal retained in the insulator. The connector further includes a shield case sleeved on the insulator. The connector further includes an outer housing arranged on the shield case, the shield case is provided with an elastic snap lock, the elastic snap lock extending from the outer housing and being configured to be locked to a mating connector to ensure that the connector and the mating connector are securely locked in a mating state.