High-Speed UTP Male Terminal Assembly for Vibration-Stable Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing high-speed data connector assemblies face challenges in secure and easy assembly, particularly in environments with vibrations, where maintaining signal integrity and mechanical stability is crucial.

Innovation Solution

A high-speed data connector assembly design featuring a two-step assembly process with pre-latching and final-latching components, along with a metal sleeve for enhanced durability and electromagnetic shielding, ensures secure and reliable connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a single-step assembly process is used, then the assembly process is simple, but the connection security and alignment precision are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly process simplicityVSAvoidconnection security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The assembly process is segmented into two distinct steps: a first assembly step where connector halves are joined in a first orientation, and a second assembly step where they are joined in a second orientation. This segmentation allows each step to contribute differently to the overall connection security and alignment precision, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first assembly step serves as a preliminary action that establishes initial alignment and positioning of the connector halves. This preliminary alignment facilitates the second assembly step, ensuring that final connection achieves both security and precision without requiring complex single-step operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If connector halves are loosely assembled, then the assembly is easy to perform, but misalignment and instability occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The connector assembly utilizes dynamic orientation switching between two distinct orientations. The connector halves are first assembled in a first orientation that facilitates easy alignment, then reoriented to a second orientation that secures precise alignment and prevents misalignment during operation. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction between assembly ease and alignment precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If the connector housing is made robust for vibration resistance, then the mechanical strength is improved, but the assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration resistanceVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The assembly process employs periodic reorientation of the connector halves between two orientations. This periodic action allows the connector to achieve robust vibration resistance through the second orientation while maintaining assembly simplicity by using the first orientation for initial alignment. The periodic switching resolves the contradiction between strength and assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP4510389A1High speed utp male terminal
Publication Date: 2025.02.19 APTIV TECHNOLOGIES AG
  • EP4510389A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2A
  • EP4510389A1 patent drawingFigure 2B~3A
  • EP4510389A1 patent drawingFigure 3B~4

AI summary

A connector assembly (1000) comprises at least one signal transmission wire (1400) with a signal contact terminated to it; a connector housing retaining the at least one signal contact and comprising first (1200) and second (1300) connector halves; wherein the halves comprise connecting means (1210, 1310) for connecting the two halves with each other; a metal sleeve (1100) fitted around and locked onto the connector housing.