Electrical Connector Retention Mechanism for CPU Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electrical connectors with a large number of contacts face stability issues due to reaction forces, making reliable mechanical and electrical connections with CPUs challenging, as the downward force applied by a heat sink does not efficiently transfer to the contacts, leading to potential instability and damage.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector assembly with a securing mechanism comprising a first securing piece on the CPU and a second securing piece on the connector housing, which engage to provide a direct and dispersed compression force, ensuring reliable mechanical and electrical connection between the CPU and the connector, thereby reducing stress on the contacts and preventing warpage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of contacts in the electrical connector is increased to support high speed transmission, then the transmission capability is improved, but the connector generates more reaction forces and becomes less stable
Solution Approach 1:
The securing force is segmented and distributed to multiple contacts through the securing mechanism. Each contact receives a portion of the downward force, preventing any single contact from bearing excessive reaction forces. This segmentation allows the connector to maintain stability while supporting a high number of contacts for enhanced transmission capability.
2Strength
If a heat sink is used to apply downward force on the CPU, then the mechanical connection is improved, but the force is not efficiently transferred to the contacts
Solution Approach 1:
The securing mechanism acts as an intermediary between the heat sink and the contacts. It receives the downward force from the heat sink and efficiently transfers it to the contacts through its structure with multiple securing portions. This intermediary function ensures that the mechanical connection strength is maintained while the force is effectively distributed to all contacts for reliable electrical connection.
3Quantity of substance
If more contacts are added to the connector, then the electrical connection capacity is improved, but the connector becomes more prone to tension and instability
Solution Approach 1:
The securing mechanism provides localized securing portions at multiple contact points within the connector. Each securing portion is specifically positioned to apply downward force to corresponding contacts, ensuring that the increased number of contacts does not compromise connection reliability. The local quality of the securing structure is optimized for each contact region while maintaining overall system reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector assembly includes an electrical connector and a CPU. The electrical connector includes an insulative housing defining a receiving cavity, and a plurality of contacts retained to the housing with corresponding contacting sections exposed in the receiving cavity. A first securing piece is attached upon the CPU, and a second securing piece is attached upon the housing. When the CPU is received within the receiving cavity, the first securing piece is locked with the second securing piece so as to have the CPU retained to the connector in position wherein the corresponding contacts of the electrical connector are mechanically and electrically connected to the corresponding contacting pads of the CPU in a compression manner reliably.