Card Edge Connector Beam for Angled PCB Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing card edge connectors face challenges in aligning and securely connecting printed circuit boards (PCBs) due to misalignment issues, particularly when the PCBs are angled or slightly offset, which can lead to improper contact and potential electrical failures.
Innovation Solution
A card edge connector design featuring a housing with a beam extending across the card edge receiving slot, creating an open space between the beam and the slot's bottom, along with an alignment slot on the PCB, allows for controlled angling and limited misalignment, ensuring proper contact by using springs and a pivot point formed by the beam to accommodate angled PCBs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a rigid alignment structure is used to ensure precise positioning, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the connector becomes sensitive to misalignment and angled PCBs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the alignment beam movable rather than fixed. The beam can rotate about a pivot point and translate vertically to accommodate angled PCBs and misalignments. This dynamic structure allows the connector to adapt to varying PCB positions while maintaining reliable electrical contact, resolving the contradiction between precise alignment and tolerance for misalignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the positional parameters of the alignment beam, allowing it to move from a fixed position to a dynamically adjustable position. The beam's vertical position and angular orientation can change to match the PCB's insertion angle, enabling the connector to maintain proper alignment even when PCBs are angled or slightly offset during installation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If springs are added to accommodate angled PCBs, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the alignment function and the spring mechanism into a single integrated beam structure. The beam combines rigid alignment features with flexible spring elements, eliminating the need for separate alignment components and springs. This integration maintains adaptability for angled PCBs while reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment beam serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical alignment, acts as a pivot point for rotation, provides spring pressure for contact, and accommodates angled insertions. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
3Manufacturing precision
If an alignment beam is placed at the center of the slot, then alignment precision is improved, but the connector cannot accommodate angled PCBs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static centered beam into a dynamic component that can rotate and move. The beam remains centered in its resting position for precise alignment but can dynamically adjust its position and angle when an angled PCB is inserted, accommodating both precise alignment and angular adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam automatically adjusts its position and orientation in response to PCB insertion angles. When a PCB is inserted at an angle, the beam self-adjusts by rotating about its pivot point and translating vertically, eliminating the need for external adjustment mechanisms while maintaining both center alignment and angular accommodation.
Data Source
AI summary
A card edge connector including electrical contacts; and a housing having the electrical contacts connected thereto. The housing comprises a card edge receiving slot, and a beam extending at least partially across a width of the card edge receiving slot. An open space is provided between the beam and a bottom of the card edge receiving slot.