USB Type C Connector Latching Structure and Metallic Shield
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Solution Overview
Problem
USB Type C connectors lack a reliable locking mechanism and reinforcement structure, leading to potential damage from large mating forces applied to small mating ports, which can result in insecure connections and unintended disconnection.
Innovation Solution
A USB Type C connector assembly featuring a plug connector with a deflectable latching structure and a metallic shield sub-assembly, combined with a sliding assurance structure and spring mechanism, ensures secure engagement and protection against mating forces by engaging the latching and retaining structures for reliable mating and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If USB Type C connectors use small mating ports (8.34 mm×2.56 mm), then the connector size is reduced and portability is improved, but the mating structure lacks sufficient reinforcement and becomes vulnerable to damage from large mating forces
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple functional components: a plug connector with insulative body and metallic shell, a receptacle connector with insulative housing and metallic shield, and separate latching structures. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to solve the strength problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly combines different materials with complementary properties: insulative materials (housing, body) for electrical isolation, metallic materials (shell, shield) for structural strength and EMI shielding, and elastic materials (latching structures) for secure engagement. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between small size and structural strength.
2Device complexity
If USB Type C connectors lack locking devices, then the connector structure is simplified and manufacturing is easier, but reliable mating between plug and receptacle connectors cannot be assured
Solution Approach 1:
The latching structures are designed to automatically engage when the plug connector is inserted into the receptacle connector. The first and second latching structures on the metallic shell and shield respectively activate through the insertion motion itself, without requiring separate locking actions or complex control mechanisms, thus maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliable mating.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching structures utilize elastic deformation as a parameter change mechanism. The latching structures are designed with elastic properties that allow them to deform during insertion and then return to their original shape to lock the connectors together, providing reliable mating through material property changes rather than complex mechanical mechanisms.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional Type C connectors expose capsular mating shields during mating, then the structure is simpler and manufacturing is easier, but sufficient reinforcement for mating/un-mating is not provided, jeopardizing the structures under large mating forces
Solution Approach 1:
The metallic shield and insulative holder are designed with sufficient thickness and structural reinforcement before the mating operation occurs. This pre-engineered reinforcement acts as a cushion against the large mating forces that will be applied during insertion and extraction, preventing damage to the mating port structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The design adds dimensional reinforcement by extending the metallic shield and insulative holder structures beyond the immediate mating interface. This creates a reinforced zone in additional dimensions that distributes and absorbs mating forces, protecting the vulnerable capsular mating port while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
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 solution provides a reinforced structure that securely latches the plug and receptacle connectors, enhancing the reliability and durability of USB Type C connections by withstanding larger mating forces and preventing unintended disconnection due to external impacts.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is assembled to the insulative cover to constantly urge the assurance structure to be located at the locking position where the latching structure and the retaining structure are engaged with each other
Implementation Method 2
An insulative holder encloses the shield sub-assembly with a deflectable latching structure thereon
Data Source
AI summary
A receptacle connector includes an insulative housing equipped with a plurality of receptacle contacts and enclosed by a capsular metallic shield sub-assembly. An insulative holder encloses the shield sub-assembly with a deflectable latching structure thereon. The plug connector includes an insulative body equipped with a plurality of plug contacts. An internal PCB is located behind the housing and soldered with the corresponding contacts. A capsular metallic shell encloses the insulative body and adapted to be received within the metallic shield during mating. A cable is connected to the PCB. An insulative cover encloses the internal PCB, the rear portion of the insulative body and the front portion of the cable with a retaining structure to be coupled with the latching structure, and a sliding assurance structure ensuring the latching structure and the retaining structure to be securely engaged with each other for maintaining the reliable mating.