Card Edge Connector Latching Structure for Vibration Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors experience undesired movement of mated components due to vibrations, leading to weakened connections and potential disengagement, particularly in card edge connectors used for interconnecting printed circuit boards.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of clips into the latches of the electrical connector, which clamp the mating component from multiple directions, including longitudinal, vertical, and transverse, to enhance stability and resistance to shock, while accommodating varying component thicknesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional latches are used in card edge connectors, then the structure is simple, but the connector experiences undesired movement of mated components due to vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The latch is divided into multiple functional segments: the latch body, the foot portion extending under the card, the head portion engaging the notch, and the clip mechanism. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently, improving overall reliability while maintaining manageable complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The clip is nested within the latch structure, specifically positioned in a groove on the latch body. This nested configuration allows the clip to provide additional clamping force on the card flange without requiring a separate independent mechanism, thereby improving connection stability without proportionally increasing device complexity
2Strength
If clips are added to the latch structure, then shock resistance and stability improve, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clip and latch are designed as integrated components where the clip is formed as part of the latch assembly. The clip's body, first beam, and second beam are configured to work together with the latch body, foot, and head in a unified structure. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and assembly steps, improving ease of manufacture while maintaining enhanced shock resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The clip incorporates flexible beam structures (first beam and second beam) that can elastically deform to accommodate machining tolerances and provide continuous clamping force. These flexible elements absorb shock and vibration while maintaining connection integrity, improving strength without requiring overly complex rigid structures
3Reliability
If the latch engages tightly to prevent movement, then connection reliability improves, but the component cannot be easily removed
Solution Approach 1:
The latch is designed as a movable component that can pivot between a locked position (where the head engages the notch and the foot clamps the card) and an unlocked position. This dynamic capability allows the connection to be secure during operation while enabling easy removal when needed, resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The ejector serves as an intermediary tool that interacts with the movable latch to facilitate card removal. By actuating the latch's movement from locked to unlocked position, the ejector enables easy card removal without requiring excessive force, while the latch maintains reliable connection during normal operation
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 clip-enhanced latches provide robust and reliable connections, improving shock resistance and maintaining electrical performance by reducing component movement, even with machining tolerances, and extending the lifespan of the connector.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporation of clips into the latches of the electrical connector, which clamp the mating component from multiple directions, including longitudinal, vertical, and transverse, to enhance stability and resistance to shock
Implementation Method 2
bearing surfaces on the body portion configured for engaging complementary bearing surfaces on the housing of the card edge connector to pivotably mount the latch in the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A card edge connector with latches that improve the connector's reliability. The connector comprises a housing having a slot elongated in a longitudinal direction and a pair of towers disposed on opposite ends of the housing and extending in a vertical direction. A pair of latches are disposed in the towers, respectively. Each latch has a groove disposed above the respective tower for receiving a flange of a card inserted in the slot. Each latch has a clip disposed in its groove for engaging the flange of the card. The clips are configured to restrain movement of the card in the longitudinal direction, the vertical direction, and a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal and vertical directions when the latches are in locked positions. Such a configuration enables more reliable connections and improves the connector's shock resistance while being compatible with cards having a variety of thicknesses.