Electrical Connector Fixing Member for Reflow Warping Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors lack stability during the solder reflow process due to warping of the insulating housing, leading to potential empty soldering issues and reduced structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector features a dual-plate fixing member with a movable coupling between the upper and lower plates, allowing for adjustment to accommodate thermal warping, and includes a floating gap and elastic connection to maintain stability and optimize flatness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the insulating housing is rigidly fixed to the circuit board, then the structural stability is improved, but the housing cannot accommodate thermal warping during solder reflow process
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing member incorporates a movable coupling between the upper plate and lower plate, transforming the rigid fixed structure into a dynamic adjustable one. The lower plate can move relative to the upper plate through the movable coupling mechanism, allowing the fixing member to adapt to thermal warping of the insulating housing while maintaining structural stability during solder reflow process
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing member is divided into separate upper plate and lower plate components that are movably coupled rather than rigidly connected. This segmentation allows each plate to move independently relative to the other, enabling the structure to accommodate thermal deformation while maintaining overall stability
2Adaptability or versatility
If the fixing member allows floating movement to accommodate warping, then the adaptability to thermal deformation is improved, but the structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The movable coupling creates a controlled dynamic system where the lower plate can move relative to the upper plate within specific limits. This controlled movement provides adaptability to thermal warping while the overall fixing member maintains structural stability through its connection to both the insulating housing and circuit board
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing member utilizes parameter changes in the form of controlled movement and positioning adjustments between the upper and lower plates. The movable coupling allows positional parameters to change in response to thermal deformation while maintaining the structural integrity of the overall assembly
3Ease of manufacture
If the upper plate and lower plate are rigidly connected, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the ability to optimize flatness during soldering is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The movable coupling between upper and lower plates provides a simple yet effective mechanism that allows the structure to self-adjust for flatness optimization during soldering. The lower plate can move to compensate for thermal warping, improving manufacturing precision without significantly complicating the manufacturing process
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 solution enhances structural stability by preventing empty soldering and optimizing the flatness of the insulating housing, particularly in small-sized connectors, thereby improving the overall structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic arms provide a limited floating movement of the housing and the upper vertical plate relative to the lower horizontal plate
Implementation Method 2
allowing for adjustment to accommodate thermal warping
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector for mounting to a circuit board includes: an insulating housing having a slot; plural terminals being retained to the insulating housing and having respective contact portions exposed to the slot; and a fixing member having an upper plate and a lower plate separate and discrete from the upper plate, the upper plate being secured to the insulting housing, the lower plate being movably coupled to the upper plate.