Coaxial Connector Elastic Float for Board Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Blind-mating coaxial connector interfaces in board-to-board assemblies face challenges in accurate alignment due to inconsistent processing and deformation of printed circuit boards, affecting return loss performance and PIM characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A coaxial connector design featuring a first and second coaxial connector portion with an elastic element, such as a leaf spring or waist-drum spring, allowing axial and radial floatability, enabling precise electrical connection and maintaining contact even with board deformation, using beryllium copper or phosphor copper materials for the elastic elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If blind-mating coaxial connector interfaces are used in board-to-board assemblies, then push-on interconnection is enabled, but accurate alignment is difficult to achieve due to inconsistent processing and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates an elastic element that enables dynamic adjustment of the connector position. The elastic element allows the connector to float and self-align during the push-on operation, compensating for manufacturing tolerances and board deformation while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element changes its physical state from unstrained to strained during connection, allowing the connector to adapt its position. This parameter change enables the system to accommodate variations in board positioning and maintain optimal alignment despite manufacturing inconsistencies.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid coaxial connector interfaces are used, then structural stability is maintained, but alignment accuracy deteriorates due to board deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic element introduces controlled flexibility to the otherwise rigid connector structure. This dynamic component allows the connector to absorb board deformation while maintaining stable electrical connection, resolving the conflict between structural stability and alignment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element acts as an intermediary between the rigid connector body and the PCB board. It mediates the mechanical stresses and misalignments, protecting the rigid connector structure while accommodating board deformation through elastic deformation.
3Manufacturing precision
If elastic elements are added to enable floatability, then alignment accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic element provides self-aligning functionality without requiring external adjustment mechanisms. The connector automatically compensates for misalignment through the elastic element's inherent flexibility, achieving improved alignment accuracy without adding complex control systems or multiple adjustment components.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element is implemented as a flexible component that integrates into the connector structure. This flexible element provides the necessary compliance and alignment capability while maintaining a relatively simple overall connector design, avoiding the need for complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
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 design ensures reliable electrical connections with improved return loss performance and PIM characteristics by allowing adjustable length and radial alignment, maintaining contact despite board misalignment or deformation.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic element disposed between the first outer conductor of the first coaxial connector portion and the second outer conductor of the second coaxial connector portion; wherein the first elastic element is configured such that the second coaxial connector portion is floatable axially and radially relative to the first coaxial connector portion
Implementation Method 2
the first elastic element is adapted to form an electrical connection between the first outer conductor and the second outer conductor
Data Source
AI summary
In a coaxial connector and a board-to-board connector assembly, the coaxial connector includes: a first coaxial connector portion including a first outer conductor, a first inner conductor, and a first dielectric spacer disposed between the first outer conductor and the first inner conductor; a second coaxial connector portion including a second outer conductor, a second inner conductor, and a second dielectric spacer disposed between the second outer conductor and the second inner conductor; and a first elastic element disposed between the first outer conductor of the first coaxial connector portion and the second outer conductor of the second coaxial connector portion. The first elastic element is configured such that the second coaxial connector portion is floatable axially and radially relative to the first coaxial connector portion, and the first elastic element is adapted to form an electrical connection between the first outer conductor and the second outer conductor.