Carrier Frame Alignment for Electrical Connector Contact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors often result in damage to contacts due to misalignment and deformation of flexible mating portions when loading electronic packages, leading to inefficient connections.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector design featuring a carrier frame with a preliminary alignment state and a final alignment state, where the carrier frame is straight downward moved to securely engage the electronic package with the insulative housing, utilizing latches and alignment features to prevent contact damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electrical connector uses flexible mating portions that extend beyond the housing to contact the electronic package, then the electrical connection capability is improved, but the mating portions may be broken, bent, or deformed causing misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a preliminary alignment state where the carrier frame is positioned on the housing before final insertion, allowing the electronic package to be pre-aligned with the contacts. This preliminary positioning prevents misalignment during final insertion, protecting the flexible mating portions from deformation while ensuring proper electrical connection capability.
2Ease of manufacture
If the carrier frame is assembled directly to the housing without preliminary alignment, then the assembly process is simplified, but the electronic package may misalign with the contacts causing contact damage
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly process is segmented into two distinct states: a preliminary alignment state where the carrier frame is positioned on the housing with the package pre-aligned, and a final alignment state where the frame is fully assembled. This segmentation allows alignment precision to be achieved in the first stage while keeping the overall assembly process simple through the standardized two-state mechanism.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the contacts are held in a fixed position within the housing, then the contact alignment is maintained, but the flexible mating portions are vulnerable to damage during package insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The preliminary alignment state positions the electronic package and carrier frame before final insertion occurs. This preliminary positioning ensures that the package is correctly aligned with the fixed contacts, preventing misalignment-induced damage to the flexible mating portions while maintaining the stability of the contact positions within the housing.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector for use with an electronic package, includes an insulative housing defining an upward facing cavity, a plurality of contacts disposed in the cavity of the insulative housing with contacts sections extending into the cavity, and a carrier frame mounted to the insulative housing and having a main body defining an opening for allowing part of the electronic package passing through the opening. The carrier frame assembles to the insulative housing having a preliminary alignment state and a final alignment state.