USB Type-C Receptacle Terminal Positioning via Integrated Molded Tongue
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional USB type-C electrical receptacle connectors face structural strength issues due to improper assembly of plastic components and detachment of receptacle terminals from the plastic core during operation, leading to reduced performance and reliability.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a metallic shell with a mount member and tongue portion, along with first and second receptacle terminals and a grounding plate, arranged for secure positioning through insert molding, ensuring the components remain integrated even under external forces and allowing for dual orientation compatibility with plug connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If plastic components are assembled together using assembling means, then the connector can be manufactured with multiple components, but the structural strength is reduced and components may detach
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple plastic components (mount member, tongue portion, positioning blocks) into a single integrated molded component. This eliminates the need for separate assembly operations while maintaining structural integrity, as the integrated structure prevents detachment issues that occur with assembled components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction by integrating metal terminals with the plastic mount member through embedding and positioning structures. The metal terminals are securely held within the molded plastic structure, creating a composite assembly that leverages the strength of metal and the structural benefits of molded plastic.
2Device complexity
If receptacle terminals are not positioned by a tongue portion, then the connector structure is simpler, but the receptacle terminals may detach during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The tongue portion is pre-formed with positioning blocks and embedding structures during the molding process. These features are prepared in advance to automatically position and secure the receptacle terminals when they are inserted, eliminating the need for additional positioning mechanisms while ensuring reliable terminal placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The tongue portion acts as an intermediary structure between the mount member and the receptacle terminals. It provides a dedicated positioning interface that mediates the connection, ensuring terminals are correctly positioned and secured without requiring complex direct attachment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical receptacle connector includes a mount member received in a metallic shell. A tongue portion is integrally formed to a front portion of the mount member. A plurality of first receptacle terminals, a plurality of second receptacle terminals, and a grounding plate are held in the mount member and the tongue portion. The front ends of the first and second receptacle terminals are respectively inserted into two opposite surfaces of the tongue portion. Therefore, the first receptacle terminals, the second receptacle terminals, and the grounding plate are positioned with each other securely. Accordingly, when the connector is impacted by an external force, the components of the connector would not be detached from each other easily.