Board Connector With Integral Actuator Beam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing board connectors face issues such as easy peeling of connecting object pads during insertion, difficulty in inserting thicker objects, high workload in mounting flexible printed wiring boards, and potential breakage of components due to excessive force, especially in small-sized designs where manual operation of actuators is challenging.
Innovation Solution
A board connector design featuring integral contacts with first and second beam portions and an actuator with effort point portions that are pushed by the board member during insertion, eliminating the need for separate actuator operation and reducing frictional damage, incorporating a clamping mechanism that automatically adjusts to accommodate varying board thicknesses without manual actuator manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate actuator is used to operate contact members, then the contact members can be reliably actuated to clamp the board member, but the workload on mounting the board member increases and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is integrated with the first contact member, merging two previously separate components into one. The actuator includes a first beam portion that forms part of the contact member structure, eliminating the need for separate actuator operation and reducing mounting workload while maintaining reliable clamping through the integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The first contact member serves dual functions: it acts as both the contact element that clamps the board member and as the actuator that enables the clamping action. The beam portion of the contact member functions as the actuator arm, allowing a single component to perform multiple roles and simplify the overall device
2Ease of operation
If the first contact member is integrated with the actuator, then the workload on mounting is reduced, but the actuator and contact members may be subjected to excessive force resulting in breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The first contact member is divided into distinct functional portions: a clamping portion that contacts the board member and a beam portion that acts as the actuator. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while sharing a common structural base, distributing forces more effectively and reducing the risk of breakage
Solution Approach 2:
The beam portion's dimensions and material properties can be adjusted to optimize the balance between flexibility for easy operation and strength to withstand clamping forces. By modifying parameters such as beam thickness, length, and material composition, the integrated structure can accommodate varying force requirements without breakage
3Volume of moving object
If the connector is designed in a small size, then the device compactness is improved, but it becomes difficult to manually operate the actuator by operator's fingers
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the actuator and contact member into a single integrated component, the design eliminates the need for a separate, manually-operated actuator mechanism. The integrated beam portion is actuated automatically during board insertion, removing the requirement for manual finger operation while maintaining compact dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated actuator-contact member system is self-actuating during board insertion. The board member itself provides the actuation force that moves the beam portion, eliminating the need for external manual operation and allowing the connector to maintain a compact size without compromising operability
4Adaptability or versatility
If the first and second contact portions are spaced to accommodate thicker connecting objects, then the adaptability to different thicknesses is improved, but the pad of the connecting object is easily peeled during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping portions are designed to dynamically adjust their position and clamping force based on the board thickness. During insertion, the clamping portions move to accommodate the specific thickness encountered, then apply optimal clamping force to secure the board without excessive force that would cause pad peeling
Solution Approach 2:
The spacing and clamping force parameters of the first and second clamping portions can be adjusted based on board thickness. The system modifies these parameters dynamically during operation, allowing accommodation of various thicknesses while maintaining appropriate clamping force to prevent pad peeling
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
Simplifies the mounting process to a single step, reduces the risk of board damage and actuator breakage, and ensures reliable contact without excessive force, even in small-sized connectors, by integrating the actuator and contacts and using an interlocking mechanism that adjusts clamping distances based on board insertion.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the contacts has a first contacting portion and a second contacting portion. The first contacting portion and the second contacting portion are opposed to each other in a non-contacting state and, when a connecting object is inserted between opposed surfaces thereof, are displaced by the connecting object to be brought into elastic contact with both surfaces of the connecting object.
Implementation Method 2
the actuator comprises an effort point portion which is formed forward with respect to the first clamping portion in the board insertion direction and which is pushed and moved by the board member when the board member is inserted into the board connector
Data Source
AI summary
For connecting a board member inserted in a board insertion direction, a board connector includes a contact with a first and a second beam portion, a housing holding the contact, and an actuator integral with the first beam portion. The first and the second beam portions include a first and a second clamping portion, respectively, for clamping therebetween the board member. The actuator includes an effort point portion formed forward with respect to the first clamping portion in the board insertion direction. When an operator inserts the board member into the board connector, the board member pushes and moves the effort point portion.