Coaxial Connector Spring Grounding for Tool-Free PCB Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coaxial connectors require tools for attachment to a substrate, necessitating screws and soldering, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A coaxial connector design featuring a front assembly with a signal contact and shell, and a rear assembly with a ground member that includes resilient ground terminals, allowing tool-free attachment by inserting a substrate into a substrate receiving portion and using spring-like contact points to connect to the ground layer without screws or vias.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws and soldering are used to attach the coaxial connector to the substrate, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the attachment process requires tools and becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connector structure enables self-alignment and self-attachment through the step feature that guides the substrate into the correct position and the resilient ground terminal that automatically makes contact with the ground layer, eliminating the need for external tools or manual alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The ground terminal incorporates a spring portion that provides resilient force, allowing the terminal to dynamically adjust and maintain reliable electrical contact with the ground layer while accommodating variations in substrate positioning
2Reliability
If screws are used to attach the coaxial connector to the substrate, then the attachment is secure, but the process becomes time-consuming and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The step feature is pre-formed on the shell to automatically guide and position the substrate during insertion, and the resilient ground terminal is pre-configured to exert contact force, eliminating the need for time-consuming screw operations
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical screw fastening system is replaced with a resilient contact system where the spring portion of the ground terminal provides the necessary securing force through elastic deformation, enabling rapid attachment without threaded fasteners
3Reliability
If vias are used to connect the ground layer to the shell, then electrical connection is achieved, but the substrate structure becomes complex and requires additional manufacturing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The via structure is extracted from the substrate design by having the ground terminal contact the ground layer directly on the substrate surface, eliminating the need for through-substrate vias and associated drilling and plating operations
Solution Approach 2:
The ground terminal acts as an intermediary element that bridges the electrical connection between the shell and the ground layer through direct contact, replacing the need for conductive vias that pass through the substrate
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
Enables secure, tool-free attachment of the coaxial connector to a substrate, ensuring electrical connection between the ground layer and shell, improving high-frequency characteristics and simplifying the installation process.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring portion (351) which extends from the ground peripheral portion and is resiliently deformable, an upper contact point (353) supported by the first spring portion, a second spring portion (355) which extends from the upper contact point and is resiliently deformable and a lower contact point (357) supported by the second spring portion
Data Source
AI summary
An internal lower surface of a substrate receiving portion has a first surface, a second surface, and a step between the first and the second surfaces. A ground terminal has a first spring portion, an upper contact point, a second spring portion and a lower contact point. When a ground member is attached to a shell, the upper contact point and the lower contact point are in the substrate receiving portion. Upon attaching the ground member to the shell after insertion of a substrate into the substrate receiving portion, the lower contact point is moved from on the first surface to on the second surface, and thereby moving the upper contact point upward to be brought into contact with a ground layer of the substrate and pushing the substrate upward to bring a signal line of the substrate into contact with a rear contact portion of a signal contact.