Board-to-Board Connector Power Contact Design for High Current
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing board-to-board connectors face challenges in efficiently conveying large currents due to their narrow pitches and reduced overall height, necessitating the use of multiple power contacts, which can be cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece, large-area power contact design is implemented in both plug and receptacle connectors, featuring opposing side and end plates with a soldering portion, insert molded within an insulative housing, to create multiple contact points for enhanced current conduction when mated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple power contacts are used to convey large currents, then current conduction capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate power contacts into a single integrated power contact structure with multiple contact points. The one-piece power contact includes first and second contact portions that engage with corresponding portions in the mating connector, providing multiple contact points while reducing the number of separate components needed to convey large currents.
2Volume of moving object
If narrower pitches and reduced overall height are implemented, then miniaturization is achieved, but current conduction efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-point contact design to a multi-point contact design by extending the power contact structure in multiple dimensions. The first and second contact portions are positioned at different locations, creating a distributed contact arrangement that increases effective contact area and current conduction capability within a compact form factor.
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 enables effective conduction of large currents by providing a larger contact area through multiple contact points, improving the efficiency and reliability of power transmission in board-to-board connections.
Implementation Method 1
the four side and end plates of the plug power make contact with and are received within the four plates of the receptacle power contact when the plug and receptacle connectors are mated
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector assembly includes a plug connector including an insulative housing, a number of signal contacts, and a pair of power contacts, the power contacts being insert-molded with the insulative housing; and a mating receptacle connector including an insulative housing, a number of signal contacts, and a pair of power contacts, the power contacts being insert molded with the insulative housing. Each of the plug power contacts is one-piece and has two opposing side plates, two opposing end plates interconnected with the side plates, and a soldering portion. Each of the receptacle power contacts is one-piece and has two opposing side plates, two opposing end plates interconnected with the side plates, and a soldering portion. The four side and end plates of the plug power make contact with and are received within the four plates of the receptacle power contact when the plug and receptacle connectors are mated.