Electrical Connector Assembly With Paralleled PCBs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing I/O connectors face challenges in achieving high-density configurations with high data transmitting rates while maintaining electrical separation to prevent signal degradation, and they often require wider designs that do not fit standard equipment, along with unreliable latching mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector assembly features a housing with supporting posts and a latching mechanism, comprising paralleled printed circuit boards, a spacer, and a reliable latching member with a pulling member, which allows for high-density configuration without increased width and ensures secure mating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the terminal arrangement is made more dense to increase connector density, then the connector size is reduced, but the electrical separation between terminals decreases leading to signal degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-layer terminal arrangement to a multi-layer configuration with terminals distributed across different vertical levels. The housing contains multiple terminal groups arranged in stacked layers, allowing high-density connectivity while maintaining adequate electrical separation between terminals on different layers through vertical spacing and insulation structures.
2Quantity of substance
If the connector width is increased to accommodate more terminals, then the connector density increases, but the connector cannot fit into standard width routers and servers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by stacking multiple terminal layers within a compact horizontal footprint. The housing structure accommodates terminal groups arranged in multiple vertical levels, enabling high terminal density without increasing the connector's width beyond standard equipment compatibility limits.
3Speed
If the signaling frequency is increased to improve data transmission rate, then the data rate increases, but the tolerance requirements for terminal locations and physical characteristics become more stringent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the terminal structure into modular terminal groups, each with standardized positioning features. The housing includes corresponding positioning structures that guide and constrain terminal group locations during assembly, reducing the impact of manufacturing tolerances on high-frequency signal integrity.
4Reliability
If a latching mechanism is added to maintain mated connectors together, then the connection reliability improves, but the housing size and configuration may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the latching mechanism directly into the housing structure, combining the housing and latching components into a unified design. The housing includes built-in latching features that engage with corresponding features on the complementary connector, providing reliable mechanical retention without requiring separate, complex latching assemblies.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector assembly (100), comprises: a housing (1) having a receiving room (11) therein communicated with an exterior along a longitudinal direction and defining a receiving cavity (14) formed on a top surface thereof. A pair of supporting posts (143) are formed in the receiving cavity. Two paralleled printed circuit boards (2) are received into the receiving room and positioned in the housing. A latching member (6) is located in the receiving cavity and engaged with the housing. A pulling member (7) is supported by the top surface of the housing and having a front portion extending into the receiving cavity and interconnected with the latching member. The pulling member defines a curving portion (722) supported by the pair of supporting posts.