Card Edge Connector Movable Cover Prevents Contact Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing card edge connectors cause contact failures due to interference between resilient contact pieces and the inserting edge of the circuit board, leading to peeling of platings and shaving of corner edges, which can result in contact failures.
Innovation Solution
A card edge connector design featuring a movable member with a cover that covers the inserting edge of the circuit board, guided by a guide to move between initial and connection positions, and locking mechanisms to prevent interference between the resilient contact pieces and the circuit board edges, ensuring reliable contact and preventing interference during insertion and withdrawal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the resilient contact pieces are brought into contact with the circuit board to ensure contact reliability, then contact reliability is improved, but the inserting edge of the circuit board butts against or is abraded by the resilient contact pieces causing peeling of platings and shaving of corner edges
Solution Approach 1:
A cover is introduced as an intermediary component between the resilient contact pieces and the inserting edge of the circuit board. The cover prevents direct contact between these elements during insertion, eliminating abrasion and peeling of platings while allowing the resilient contact pieces to maintain reliable contact with the circuit board body.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is positioned in advance at the entrance of the board accommodation space to prevent harmful contact before it occurs. By being pre-placed at the correct position, the cover intercepts the inserting edge of the circuit board before it can reach the resilient contact pieces, preventing damage proactively.
2Reliability
If the cover is positioned at the entrance of the board accommodation space to prevent interference, then contact reliability is improved, but the cover must be moved to the connection position behind the resilient contact piece
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is merged with a movable member that integrates multiple functions: covering the inserting edge, guiding the circuit board during insertion, and enabling locking/unlocking actions. This combination reduces the need for separate components while achieving the required positional changes from entrance to connection position.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is designed as a movable rather than fixed component, allowing it to dynamically change position from the entrance of the board accommodation space to the connection position behind the resilient contact piece. This dynamic positioning enables the cover to perform its protective function during insertion while clearing the path for reliable contact during operation.
3Reliability
If the movable member is held at the initial position by locking mechanisms, then the cover remains at the entrance to prevent interference, but the locking mechanisms require additional structure
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to utilize the existing structural elements of the movable member and housing rather than requiring entirely separate locking components. The movable member's own features engage with corresponding features in the housing to provide self-contained locking and unlocking functionality, minimizing additional structural complexity.
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
Prevents contact failures by ensuring the resilient contact pieces do not interfere with the circuit board edges during insertion and allows for secure locking and retraction of the movable member, maintaining contact reliability even with repeated insertions and withdrawals.
Implementation Method 1
Terminal fittings are accommodated in the housing and are arranged to face each other across the board accommodation space. This card edge connector comes into contact with a circuit board inserted into the board accommodation space with resilient contact pieces provided on the terminal fittings resiliently deformed.
Implementation Method 2
A guide is configured to guide the movable member between an initial position where the cover is located at an entrance of the board accommodation space and a connection position where the cover is located backward of the resilient contact piece.
Implementation Method 3
Locks are formed on the circuit board and the movable member. The locks are lockable to each other and move the movable member integrally with the circuit board in a withdrawing direction from the board accommodation space.
Data Source
AI summary
A movable member (30) provided in a housing (10) is formed with a cover (32) configured to cover inserting edges (45) on a tip of a circuit board (41) in an inserting direction into a board accommodation space (15) when the circuit board (41) is inserted into the board accommodation space (15) and a receiving surface (34) configured to move the movable member (30) integrally with the circuit board (41) to a back side of the board accommodation space (15) by being pushed by the circuit board (41). The movable member (30) and the circuit board (41) are formed with locks (38, 46) configured to move the movable member (30) integrally with the circuit board (41) in a withdrawing direction from the board accommodation space (15) by locking each other.