USB Interface Connector with Locking Clip for Industrial Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional USB interface connectors lack the necessary physical robustness and retention force to securely connect consumer devices with industrial systems, leading to disengagement issues in harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
A consumer device interface assembly featuring a female shroud with a housing, ramp, and slots, combined with an over-mold and metal lock shell, provides enhanced indexing and locking mechanisms to ensure secure connectivity, including a locking clip for additional stability and grounding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional USB interface connectors are used, then compatibility with consumer electronics is maintained, but physical robustness and retention force are insufficient for industrial environments
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional components: a USB interface portion for electrical connection, a lock shell for mechanical locking, and an overmold for structural support and indexing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall compatibility with standard USB interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector employs a nested structure where the USB interface portion is received within the lock shell, which is in turn received within the overmold. The overmold contains slots that receive arms extending from the lock shell, creating a nested arrangement that provides both structural support and locking functionality within a compact form factor.
2Reliability
If traditional USB connectors are used, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but disengagement resistance and miss-plug resistance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The lock shell includes a ramp feature that engages with a corresponding feature on the USB interface portion before final insertion is complete. This preliminary engagement action ensures proper alignment and prevents miss-plugging by guiding the components into correct positioning during the insertion process.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector merges multiple functions into integrated components: the lock shell combines locking functionality with indexing features, the overmold provides both structural support and guiding slots, and the USB interface portion integrates electrical contacts with mechanical engagement features. This merging reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining robust disengagement resistance.
3Strength
If USB adapter is designed for consumer electronics, then interface compatibility is maintained, but physical robustness for industrial assembly plants is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with universal compatibility for standard USB interfaces while incorporating enhanced structural features for industrial use. The USB interface portion maintains standard dimensions and contact arrangements for broad compatibility, while the lock shell and overmold provide additional mechanical strength and environmental protection suitable for industrial assembly plants.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector employs composite construction combining different materials with complementary properties: the USB interface portion uses conductive materials for electrical connection, the lock shell uses durable plastic or metal for mechanical strength, and the overmold uses robust material for structural support and environmental sealing. This composite approach achieves both physical robustness and interface compatibility.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
AI summary
A consumer device interface assembly is provided that utilizes a male over-mold adapter that is operable to engage a conventional USB female shroud. A locking clip is associated with the male over-mold so as to provide locking engagement between the over-mold and the female adapter. The over-mold is universal thus allowing a host of consumer device interfaces to be used with the assembly.