Board-to-Board Connector Metal Hold Down Insert Molding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional board-to-board connectors face challenges in reliably fastening metal hold downs due to their low-profile design, which compromises the secure retention of these components.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an insulative housing with insert-molded metal hold downs featuring a first and second portion with a connecting portion, and in a second embodiment, a reinforcement protrusion, to enhance locking and soldering reliability, allowing for improved retention and space efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the profile of the board-to-board connector is reduced to achieve smaller and slimmer portable electronic devices, then space savings are maximized, but the reliability of fastening metal hold downs in the insulative housing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The metal hold down structure transitions from a conventional planar design to a three-dimensional configuration with a connecting portion that extends into the insulative housing. This vertical dimensionality change allows the hold down to be securely anchored within the housing depth, providing reliable fastening even when the overall connector profile is minimized.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting portion of the metal hold down is nested within the insulative housing, with the housing material filling the hollow interior of the connecting portion. This nesting arrangement secures the hold down in place while occupying minimal external space, thereby maintaining low profile dimensions without compromising retention reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional metal hold downs are used in low-profile connectors, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but retention reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The metal hold down is designed as an integrated structure where the first portion, connecting portion, and second portion form a unified component. This merging of functions into a single piece eliminates the need for separate fastening elements while ensuring reliable retention through the insert molding process that bonds the hold down directly to the housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly combines metal hold down material with insulative housing material through insert molding. The housing material fills the hollow interior of the connecting portion, creating a composite structure that leverages the strength of metal and the bonding capability of the insulative material to achieve reliable retention.
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
This solution ensures reliable retention and improved soldering quality of metal hold downs within the insulative housing, addressing the challenge of low-profile connectors while maintaining space efficiency and performance.
Implementation Method 1
The first portion and the connecting portion are insert molded in the insulative housing with material of the insulative housing filling in the first and the third holes
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes an insulative housing defining a mating slot, a number of contacts and a pair of metal hold downs fastened in the insulative housing. Each contact includes a contacting portion extending into the mating slot. Each metal hold down includes a first portion, a second portion perpendicular to the first portion and a connecting portion connecting the first portion and the second portion. The first portion defines a first hole, the second portion defines a second hole for maintaining solders, and the connecting portion defines a third hole connecting the first hole and the second hole. The first portion and the connecting portion are insert molded in the insulative housing with material of the insulative housing filling in the first and the third holes.