Wire-to-board connector orthogonal mating guide rod
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The workability of wire-to-board connectors deteriorates with increased miniaturization, as existing connectors face challenges in efficient mating and secure connection due to compact designs.
Innovation Solution
A wire-to-board connector design featuring a metal plug with a guide rod and a receptacle with inclined portions, where the plug is mated with the receptacle in a direction orthogonal to the board, utilizing a lock mechanism and cantilever contact beams for secure engagement, ensuring reliable connection and easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the connector is miniaturized to reduce size, then the mounting height and space occupation are reduced, but the workability and ease of mating deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional segments: a first terminal for wire attachment, a second terminal for board mounting, and intermediate connection portions. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - the first terminal can be designed for easy wire attachment while the second terminal provides stable board mounting, maintaining workability despite overall miniaturization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from parallel mating (parallel to board surface) to orthogonal mating (perpendicular to board surface). This dimensional change allows the connector to achieve compact profile while improving workability, as the orthogonal approach enables better access and alignment during assembly without increasing mounting height
2Volume of moving object
If the connector is miniaturized, then the space occupation is reduced, but the reliability of connection may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs nested structural elements where connection portions are integrated within terminal structures. The first terminal includes integrated wire holding and connection features, while the second terminal incorporates board mounting and connection functions in a nested arrangement. This nesting maintains robust connection reliability by ensuring proper mechanical and electrical interfaces while minimizing overall connector dimensions
3Ease of operation
If the mating direction is changed to approach the board surface orthogonally, then the workability is improved, but the mounting height may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates flexible and elastic elements that allow dynamic adaptation during orthogonal mating. The terminals are designed with controlled flexibility to accommodate alignment variations and apply optimal contact force during assembly, improving workability while the compact structural design ensures the mounting height remains minimized
Data Source
AI summary
A wire-to-board connector includes a plug which is attached to a wire, and a receptacle which is mounted on a connector mounting surface of a board. The plug and the receptacle are each formed of metal, and the plug is mated with the receptacle to thereby connect the wire to the board. The wire-to-board connector has the following structure. A wire direction corresponding to a longitudinal direction of the wire in the vicinity of the plug when the plug is mated with the receptacle is parallel to the connector mounting surface of the board. A mating direction in which the plug is mated with the receptacle is a direction approaching the connector mounting surface of the board.