Electrical Connector Extension Arms Distribute Normal Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electrical connectors with high-speed communication systems face damage due to excessive normal force when a large number of contacts are used, as seen in the LGA arrangement, which can reach 250 kilograms, potentially harming the connector or the PCB.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector design featuring an insulative housing with passageways and contacts having multiple retaining sections and resilient contacting sections, including first and second contacting parts that provide horizontal and vertical contact points, reducing the need for significant vertical normal force by distributing the force across multiple contact points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of contacts is increased to support high-speed communication systems, then the signal transmission capability is improved, but the normal force increases to dangerous levels (up to 250 kilograms)
Solution Approach 1:
The contact structure transitions from a single vertical contact point to multiple contact points distributed across different dimensions (first contacting part in vertical direction, second contacting part in horizontal direction). This dimensional distribution allows the connection force to be dispersed across multiple contact interfaces, reducing the normal force requirement while maintaining electrical connectivity for high-speed communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The contacting section is divided into multiple contacting parts (first contacting part and second contacting part) that engage with different surfaces of the CPU recesses. This segmentation distributes the mechanical load across multiple contact points, preventing concentration of force that would damage the connector or PCB, while still supporting the required number of contacts for high-speed data transmission.
2Productivity
If the number of contacts is increased to support high-speed communication systems, then the signal transmission capability is improved, but the risk of damage to connector or PCB increases
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing horizontal contacting parts in addition to vertical contacting parts, the force distribution moves from a single vertical load path to multiple load paths in different directions. This dimensional diversification reduces the stress concentration on any single point, thereby lowering the damage risk to both the connector and PCB while enabling higher contact counts for improved signal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact structure is segmented into multiple contacting parts that distribute the mechanical stress across different locations. This segmentation prevents localized over-stressing that could cause damage, while the cumulative effect of multiple contacts maintains the electrical connectivity needed for high-speed communication systems.
3Reliability
If traditional LGA arrangement is used with many contacts, then the electrical connectivity is improved, but the structural integrity of connector and PCB is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The contacting section engages with CPU recesses through multiple parts in different spatial dimensions (vertical and horizontal). This multi-dimensional engagement distributes the mechanical load, preserving the structural integrity of the connector and PCB while maintaining reliable electrical connectivity across numerous contacts for high-speed communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact structure is divided into multiple contacting parts that independently engage with CPU recesses. This segmentation allows the electrical connectivity function to be distributed across multiple contact points, reducing the mechanical burden on any single contact and preserving overall structural integrity while achieving reliable electrical connection.
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
This design effectively reduces the normal force required for mating, preventing damage to the connector or PCB by distributing the force across multiple contact points, enhancing both electrical and mechanical performance.
Implementation Method 1
Each contact includes opposite first retaining section and second retaining section with an upward resilient contacting section linked therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector for mating with the CPU unit, includes an insulative housing with a plurality of passageways extending therethrough in the vertical direction. A plurality of contacts are disposed within the corresponding passageways, respectively. Each contact includes opposite first retaining section and second retaining section with an upward resilient contacting section linked therebetween, and a soldering section extending downwardly from the first retaining section. The contacting section includes opposite first contacting part unitarily extending from the first retaining section, and second contacting part unitarily extending from the second retaining section. The CPU unit forms a plurality of metal-coated recesses in an underside to receive the contacting section of the corresponding contacts, respectively. The first retaining section is essentially immovable in the passageway while the second retaining section is essentially movable relative to the housing in response to mating with the CPU.