Card Edge Connector Lock Mechanism Elastic Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing card edge connectors suffer from lock mechanism wear and tear, leading to unreliable retention of daughter cards due to the mechanical stress and friction during insertion and removal.
Innovation Solution
A card edge connector design featuring an elongated insulative housing with a central slot and terminals, incorporating a lock mechanism with an elastic projection that presses the daughter card for secure retention, reducing wear and tear by distributing the force effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional lock mechanism is used to lock the daughter card, then the locking function is achieved, but the lock mechanism suffers from wear and tear causing unreliable retention
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is divided into two functional parts: a locking portion for securing the daughter card and an elastic projection for applying continuous downward pressure. This segmentation allows each part to specialize in its function, reducing wear on the locking portion while maintaining reliable retention through the elastic projection's continuous force.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic projection acts as a cushioning element that compensates for wear and tolerance accumulation in the locking mechanism over time. By providing continuous elastic pressure, it ensures reliable retention even as the locking portion experiences wear and tear during repeated insertion and removal cycles.
2Strength
If the lock mechanism applies concentrated force to lock the daughter card, then secure locking is achieved, but mechanical stress and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented into two components: the locking portion provides the primary securing force, while the elastic projection distributes additional downward pressure along the daughter card. This distribution of force reduces concentrated stress on any single point, thereby reducing wear and mechanical stress on the lock mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic projection changes the force application parameter from concentrated (at the locking portion only) to distributed (along the daughter card length). This parameter change reduces mechanical stress concentration and wear while maintaining or enhancing overall locking strength through the combined effect of both locking components.
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 elastic projection ensures reliable retention of the daughter card by distributing the force and reducing mechanical stress on the lock mechanism, enhancing the connector's durability and stability.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic projection projecting from the locking portion for downwardly pressing the daughter card
Data Source
AI summary
A card edge connector assembly includes a connector with a central slot and a daughter card having an inserted end for being inserted into the central slot. The connector includes an elongated housing, a plurality of terminals retained in the elongated housing, and at least one lock mechanism for locking the daughter card. The lock mechanism has a locking portion for locking the daughter card and an elastic projection projects from the locking portion for downwardly pressing the daughter card. It can prevent the daughter card from shaking shake.