USB Connector Latches for Grounding and Structural Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing USB connectors lack an effective grounding mechanism, which affects the overall electrical performance and reliability.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a metal plate with affixed portions, insert molded with a housing and terminals, and latches soldered onto a circuit board, along with a second housing for improved grounding, where the latches and springs enhance electrical connectivity and grounding by securely attaching to a mating receptacle and shielding shell.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional USB connector design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but grounding effect is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple grounding functions into a unified structure. The metal plate serves dual purposes as both a structural support element and a grounding electrode. The latches are integrated with the metal plate to form a combined grounding and securing mechanism, eliminating the need for separate grounding components and reducing overall device complexity while improving grounding effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The latches serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide mechanical securing of the connector to the circuit board, establish electrical grounding through connection to the metal plate, and enable reversible mating operations. This multi-functionality improves grounding effect without adding dedicated separate grounding components, thereby avoiding increased device complexity.
2Reliability
If latches are soldered onto circuit board, then grounding effect is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latches are pre-connected to the metal plate during the insert molding process, establishing the grounding path before final assembly. This preliminary action allows the grounding structure to be prepared in advance, simplifying the final assembly process where terminals are simply inserted into pre-prepared receptacles, thereby improving grounding effect without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert molding process automatically creates the connection between latches and metal plate, with the molding material serving as both structural support and electrical conductor. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate welding or screwing operations, improving grounding effect while maintaining ease of manufacture through integration of multiple functions into a single molding step.
3Strength
If metal plate is insert molded with housing, then structural integrity is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The insert molding process applies different material properties to different regions: the housing material provides mechanical strength and protection, while the metal plate provides electrical conductivity and structural rigidity. This local differentiation of material qualities achieves high structural integrity without requiring excessive molding precision, as each material contributes its optimal properties to the overall assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector housing combines two distinct materials - a plastic housing material and a metal plate - into a unified structural assembly. This composite construction provides both the mechanical properties needed for structural integrity and the electrical properties needed for grounding, achieving high strength without demanding extremely tight molding tolerances since the metal plate compensates for any minor dimensional variations.
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 configuration significantly enhances the grounding effect, ensuring better electrical connectivity and reliability by securely latching the connector to the circuit board and mating receptacle, thereby improving the overall performance of the USB connector.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of latches respectively connected to the affixed portions of the metal plate and soldered on the circuit board
Implementation Method 2
a first housing insert molded with the metal plate and defining two rows of passageways
Implementation Method 3
a second housing over molded with the first housing and the pair of latches to form a subassembly
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector (100) includes a metal plate (1) having a pair of affixed portions (12) at opposite sides thereof, a first housing (21) insert molded with the metal plate and defining two rows of passageways (211), two rows of terminals (3) accommodated in the two rows of passageways, a pair of latches (4) respectively connected to the affixed portions of the metal plate and soldered on the circuit board, and a second housing (22) over molded with the first housing and the pair of latches to form a subassembly.