Cam-Lifter Electrical Connector for Mixed OSFP Paddle Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors lack backward compatibility with pluggable modules of varying paddle card thicknesses, particularly between OSFP legacy and OSFP-XD modules, which have different thickness requirements and flange extensions.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector design featuring an insulative housing with adjustable lower contacts via a lifter mechanism, allowing compatibility with both 1.0 mm and 1.2 mm thick paddle cards by utilizing the difference in lower flange extensions to actuate the lifter and adjust contact force accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the electrical connector is designed for fixed contact positions, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the adaptability to different paddle card thicknesses deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a lifter mechanism that enables the lower contacts to dynamically adjust their positions vertically. The lifter is actuated by the lower flange of the pluggable module, causing the lower contacts to move upward to compensate for variations in paddle card thickness. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the connector to maintain proper contact force and alignment across different module thicknesses while preserving manufacturing precision for each individual contact component.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate connectors are designed for different module types, then the adaptability to different paddle card thicknesses is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates a lifter mechanism into a single connector design that enables it to accommodate both OSFP legacy modules (1.0 mm thickness) and OSFP-XD modules (1.2 mm thickness). The lifter is triggered by the lower flange extension present in legacy modules, automatically adjusting contact positions to maintain compatibility. This multi-functional capability eliminates the need for separate connector designs while managing complexity through a unified structure with an added adjustment mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lower contacts are made adjustable via lifter mechanism, then the adaptability to different paddle card thicknesses is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifter mechanism is designed to be self-actuating, utilizing the lower flange extension of the pluggable module itself as the actuation force. When a legacy module is inserted, its extended lower flange automatically pushes the lifter upward, which in turn moves the lower contacts to the correct position. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external actuators, motors, or complex control systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the necessary adjustability functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes: an insulative housing having a mating cavity; plural contacts including a row of upper contacts and a row of lower contacts secured in the insulative housing, the row of upper contacts and the row of lower contacts having respective contacting portions exposed to the mating cavity; and a lifter operable relative to the insulative housing to move the row of lower contacts upwardly.