USB Type C Connector Shielding Plate Fatigue Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
USB Type C electrical connectors with stamped metallic shielding plates face metal fatigue issues due to confrontation with resilient latches, and existing solutions like metal injection molding or die-casting complicate manufacturing and increase weight.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector design featuring a stamped metallic shielding plate with enlarged locking areas, integrated with a transverse bar and locking arms that extend from the bar or shielding plate, simplifying manufacturing and reducing metal fatigue by enhancing mechanical and electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a stamped metallic shielding plate with notched side edges is used for locking engagement, then the connector structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but metal fatigue occurs due to confrontation with resilient latches resulting in malfunction after repeated use
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented into two parts: the stamped shielding plate provides the basic structure and electrical shielding, while separate resilient latches on the plug connector provide the locking force. The notched side edges of the shielding plate engage with these latches, distributing the mechanical stress away from the stamped plate itself and preventing metal fatigue while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
2Reliability
If metal injection molding or die-casting is used to form the shielding plate with enlarged locking sections, then metal fatigue is avoided through compliant engagement, but manufacturing complexity increases and weight increases disadvantageously
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding plate and transverse bar are merged into a single integrally formed stamped component. This combination provides both electrical shielding and structural support for the locking mechanism without requiring separate parts or complex manufacturing processes like MIM or die-casting, thus maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliability.
3Reliability
If metal injection molding or die-casting is used to form the shielding plate with enlarged locking sections, then metal fatigue is avoided through compliant engagement, but weight increases disadvantageously
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding plate incorporates enlarged locking areas that increase in size at the engagement points with the resilient latches. This localized parameter change provides the necessary compliance and stress distribution for reliable locking while maintaining the overall lightweight characteristic of the stamped plate, avoiding the weight increase associated with full MIM or die-casting construction.
Data Source
AI summary
A pair of locking arms unitarily extends forwardly from opposite inner edges of the transverse bar in a perpendicular manner and are spaced from two opposite side edges of the shielding plate but abutting against the corresponding side edge of the tongue portion. A front end region of each locking arm further grasps a front edge of the tongue portion and optionally connected to the corresponding grounding terminals. The two opposite ends of the transverse bar are also optimally mechanically and electrically connected to the corresponding grounding terminals. The pair of locking arms may extend from two opposite side edges of the shielding plate or from two opposite end regions of the front edge of the shielding plate alternately.