Zero-Insertion-Force Connector for Reliable Electrical Testing
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Summary
Problems
Existing wiring analyzer systems face challenges with high resistive forces and mechanical wear when engaging male and female connectors, which can lead to unreliable electrical connections and increased maintenance needs.
Innovation solutions
A zero-insertion-force (ZIF) connector system using sliding pinch plates and contact springs that minimize resistive force during connector engagement, ensuring reliable contact without mechanical stress on the connectors and circuit board wafers.
TRIZ Analysis
Specific contradictions:
General conflict description:
Principle concept:
If traditional connector engagement is used, then electrical connection is established, but high resistive forces and mechanical wear occur
Why choose this principle:
The connector engagement process is segmented into two distinct phases: insertion (where the male connector enters the female receiver with minimal resistance) and actuation (where the pinch plates are actuated to compress the contact springs against the wafer). This segmentation allows the insertion phase to be low-force while the contact establishment occurs during the separate actuation phase, eliminating high resistive forces during engagement.
Principle concept:
If traditional connector engagement is used, then electrical connection is established, but high resistive forces and mechanical wear occur
Why choose this principle:
The pinch plates are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to be actuated after insertion to compress the contact springs. This dynamic mechanism enables the contact force to be applied separately from the insertion force, reducing mechanical wear during the engagement process while ensuring reliable electrical contact through controlled spring compression.
Application Domain
Data Source
AI summary:
A zero-insertion-force (ZIF) connector system using sliding pinch plates and contact springs that minimize resistive force during connector engagement, ensuring reliable contact without mechanical stress on the connectors and circuit board wafers.
Abstract
A wiring analyzer system with a zero-insertion-force (ZIF) connector/receiver interface. An electrical connection is made by inserting a male connector into a female receiver slot. During insertion into the female receiver slot, the male connector experiences minimal, if any, resistive force. The female receiver comprises a set of opposing spring contacts designed to pinch both sides of the wafer, making contact with the male connector. A pair of elongated plates has several sections cut out to correspond with each female slot such that when the male connector is inserted between the spring contacts the wafer passes through both plates. In order to create the necessary pinching action, a force is exerted on the plates, causing them to move a distance in opposite directions. This motion brings the plates into contact with the spring contacts, squeezing them together against the wafer and creating a firm contact.