Card Edge Connector Covering Block for Rigidity and Grounding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional card edge connectors lack rigidity due to removal of lower housing portions for grounding bars, leading to potential breakage and inadequate grounding/shielding performance.
Innovation Solution
A card edge connector design featuring an insulative housing with two rows of passageways, signal and grounding contacts, and conductive plastic covering blocks with deflectable latches and abutment ribs that occupy half of each passageway, enhancing mechanical and electrical performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lower portions of the housing are removed to accommodate a grounding bar, then grounding capability is improved, but the mechanical rigidity of the housing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the grounding function and shielding function into a single integrated covering block structure that spans across the contact passageways. This covering block is formed as one piece that simultaneously provides grounding contacts and shielding coverage, eliminating the need for separate grounding bars that would compromise housing rigidity.
Solution Approach 2:
The covering block is constructed using composite material structure with conductive portions (for grounding) and insulative portions (for housing integration). This allows the single component to provide both electrical grounding functionality and maintain the mechanical integrity of the housing structure without requiring material removal.
2Device complexity
If the lower portions of the housing are removed for grounding bar installation, then grounding structure is simplified, but the shielding effect deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges grounding contacts and shielding structures into a single integrated covering block that provides both functions simultaneously. The covering block includes conductive portions that form grounding contacts and insulative portions that provide shielding, achieving both grounding and shielding effects without requiring separate components or housing modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The covering block serves multiple functions within a single component: it provides grounding contacts, shielding coverage, and structural support. This multi-functional design achieves effective grounding and shielding while maintaining housing integrity and eliminating the need for separate grounding bar installation.
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 provides improved mechanical rigidity and effective grounding/shielding, addressing the issues of connector breakage and performance deficiencies in traditional designs.
Implementation Method 1
The covering block is optimally made of conductive plastic and forms a plurality of abutment ribs to respectively abut against the corresponding grounding contacts, respectively
Implementation Method 2
Each block includes a deflectable latch engaged with the central wall
Data Source
AI summary
A card edge connector includes an insulative housing extending along a lengthwise direction, two rows of (contact) passageways formed in two opposite side walls with a central slot therebetween. Two rows of contacts are disposed within the corresponding passageways, respectively. The contacts include signal contacts and grounding contacts. Each side wall further forms an elongated channel by two sides of central wall under the central slot. A covering block is upwardly assembled into the corresponding channel after the corresponding contacts have been assembled into the corresponding passageways. Each block includes a deflectable latch engaged with the central wall. The covering block occupies at least one half of each passageway in the transverse direction perpendicular to the lengthwise direction. The covering block is optimally made of conductive plastic and forms a plurality of abutment ribs to respectively abut against the corresponding grounding contacts, respectively.