Pick-Up Cap Latching for Connector Mounting Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical connector assemblies for chip modules on printed circuit boards face issues with the pick-up cap separating from the insulative housing due to uneven weight distribution, leading to rocking and potential disconnection when moved under vacuum.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector assembly features an insulative housing with spring arms and projections, and a pick-up cap with elastic arms and latching sections that securely latch onto the housing, ensuring stable mounting and protection of contacts during movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the pick-up cap is provided with latches only on two opposite sides, then the structure is simple, but the insulative housing may rock and separate from the pick-up cap when moved under vacuum due to uneven weight distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The pick-up cap is divided into four separate latches positioned at each corner, with each latch independently engaging a corresponding groove on the insulative housing. This segmentation allows each latch to provide localized support, preventing rocking caused by uneven weight distribution while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The four latches are positioned at the corners of the pick-up cap, creating an asymmetric distribution that better accommodates uneven weight distribution in the insulative housing and contacts. This asymmetric placement ensures that all four corners are engaged, providing stable support regardless of where the center of gravity is located.
2Weight of moving object
If the weight of the electrical connector increases, then the contacts can be better protected, but the pick-up cap easily separates from the insulative housing and the housing easily occurs shaking
Solution Approach 1:
The weight of the connector is distributed across four separate latch points at the corners, rather than relying on two latches. This segmentation of the mounting points allows the heavier connector to be supported more evenly, preventing rocking and separation even as the overall weight increases.
Solution Approach 2:
Each corner latch provides localized support and protection, ensuring that the insulative housing is securely held at all four corners. This local reinforcement at each corner allows the connector to support greater overall weight without compromising mounting stability.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector assembly (1) includes an electrical connector including an insulative housing (2) having an upper and a lower surfaces, and a number of contacts received in the insulative housing, an pick-up cap (3) assembled to the insulative housing. Four pairs of latching sections (36) extend from four edges of the body portion (30) of the pick-up cap toward the insulative housing (2), and the insulative housing (2) defines four pairs of recesses (224) to latch with the latching sections (36).