Board-to-Board Connector Locking Brackets for Grounding and Size Reduction

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional board-to-board connectors face challenges in securing a strong locking force and efficient grounding, often requiring separate grounding terminals and resulting in larger connector sizes and higher manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a pair of reinforcing metallic brackets on each connector, with a connecting bar forming a strong locking mechanism and serving as grounding terminals, eliminating the need for separate grounding and allowing for downsizing of the connectors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate grounding terminals are provided in conventional board-to-board connectors, then grounding function is achieved, but connector size increases and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrounding functionVSAvoidconnector size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the grounding function with the locking bracket by making the locking bracket itself electrically conductive. The locking bracket that provides mechanical locking also serves as the grounding terminal, eliminating the need for separate grounding components. This merging of functions directly reduces connector size while maintaining both locking and grounding capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking bracket is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical locking of the connector and electrical grounding. By integrating these functions into a single component, the patent eliminates redundant parts and reduces overall connector volume while ensuring both locking reliability and grounding effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate grounding terminals are provided in conventional board-to-board connectors, then grounding function is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrounding functionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the grounding function with the locking bracket by making the locking bracket itself electrically conductive. The locking bracket that provides mechanical locking also serves as the grounding terminal, eliminating the need for separate grounding components. This merging of functions directly reduces connector size while maintaining both locking and grounding capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking bracket is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical locking of the connector and electrical grounding. By integrating these functions into a single component, the patent eliminates redundant parts and reduces overall connector volume while ensuring both locking reliability and grounding effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If conventional locking mechanisms are used, then connector assembly is simple, but locking force is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidlocking force

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite structure where the locking bracket integrates both mechanical locking features and electrical conductive properties. The bracket incorporates resilient arms for mechanical engagement and conductive pathways for electrical connection, creating a unified component that delivers both strong locking force and effective grounding without complicating the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS8083527B2Board-to-board connector

Publication Date: 2011.12.27 MOLEX INC

AI summary

A board-to-board connector pair includes first and second intermateable connectors with each including a housing and a plurality of terminals therein. The first connector includes a first planar reinforcing locking bracket stamped from sheet metal and the second connector includes a second planar reinforcing locking bracket stamped from sheet metal and configured to mate with the first planar reinforcing locking bracket.