Board-Mating Connector With Reduced Coupling Height

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Solution Overview

Problem

Board-mating connectors increase the coupling height between boards, leading to increased module thickness and poor passive inter-modulation distortion (PIMD) characteristics due to signal transmission through signal springs.

Innovation Solution

A board-mating connector system with reduced coupling height is achieved by forming a housing insertion hole in the housing board, using a hook bump to limit insertion depth, and incorporating elastic and cover portions to prevent ground electrode damage and improve PIMD characteristics through electrical connection of signal body and contact portions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a board-mating connector is used to transmit RF signals between boards, then signal transmission is achieved, but the coupling height increases and module thickness is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmissionVSAvoidcoupling height
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The ground portion is configured to extend in the horizontal direction rather than vertically, changing the spatial dimension of ground electrode placement. This dimensional change allows the ground electrode to be positioned closer to the signal electrode horizontally, reducing the coupling height without compromising signal transmission integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If a signal spring is used to transmit RF signals, then signal transmission is achieved, but passive inter-modulation distortion (PIMD) characteristics are poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmissionVSAvoidPIMD characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The signal spring component is completely removed from the design. Instead of using a spring mechanism for signal transmission, the invention employs direct electrical contact through the signal portion that extends to contact with the signal electrode, eliminating the PIMD-generating element while maintaining signal transmission capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical spring-based signal transmission system is replaced with a direct electrical contact system. The signal portion makes direct contact with the signal electrode, substituting the mechanical compression spring mechanism with a simpler, PIMD-free electrical connection approach

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the ground electrode directly contacts the end of the ground contact portion, then electrical connection is achieved, but the ground electrode is damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidground electrode integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

An elastic bending portion is introduced as an intermediary element between the ground electrode and the ground contact portion. This elastic portion acts as a mediator that provides electrical connection while preventing direct contact between the ground electrode and the potentially damaging end of the ground contact portion, thus protecting the ground electrode from damage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If excessive force is applied to the ground portion, then insertion is achieved, but the ground portion is deformed

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveinsertionVSAvoidground portion shape
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic bending portion serves as a pre-configured cushioning element that absorbs and distributes applied forces before they can reach the ground electrode. This beforehand cushioning mechanism prevents excessive force from deforming the ground portion while still allowing necessary insertion movement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

The solution reduces module thickness, prevents ground portion deformation, enhances PIMD characteristics, and minimizes the risk of connector damage and swinging, while ensuring effective electrical connection and improved signal transmission.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic bending portion is formed to prevent a ground electrode from directly coming into contact with an end of a ground contact portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a first elastic portion and a second elastic portion disperse a stress applied to a ground elastic portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStress dispersion: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3595093B1Board-mating connector system with reduced coupling height
Publication Date: 2023.04.19 GIGALANE CO LTD
  • EP3595093B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3595093B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3595093B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a board-mating connector with a reduced coupling height, and the board-mating connector includes a signal portion having one side in contact with a signal electrode of a board and to be electrically connected to the signal electrode; a ground portion having one side in contact with a ground electrode of the board to be electrically connected to the ground electrode and having a hollow inside; a housing portion in which a housing insertion hole is formed such that the signal portion and the ground portion are inserted thereinto and in which at least a part of a portion coming into contact with the ground portion is formed of metal; and a dielectric portion which is inserted into the housing insertion hole and is located between the signal portion and the housing portion such that the signal portion is spaced apart from the ground portion and the housing portion.