Connector Surface Projections Guide Pin Interference Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical connectors face challenges in aligning and retaining mating contacts in board-to-board connections due to manufacturing precision issues, leading to potential misalignment and damage when forcing pins into holes.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector features a connector body with surface mount projections that engage a guide pin, forming an interference fit to align and retain the module and component, facilitating proper mounting and electrical coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pins are forced into corresponding holes when not properly aligned, then connection may be established, but component damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing a compliant coating on the guide pin that deforms during insertion to absorb misalignment. The coating material is specifically designed to be compliant and may include viscoelastic or elastomeric properties that allow the pin to flex and accommodate dimensional variations in the holes, preventing damage while ensuring reliable connection establishment
2Manufacturing precision
If precise manufacturing specifications are maintained for holes and pins, then alignment is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical properties of the guide pin through the addition of a compliant coating. This changes the mechanical parameters of the pin from rigid to compliant, allowing it to accommodate a range of hole dimensions and positions. The coating transforms the interaction from requiring precise dimensional matching to tolerating dimensional variations, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements
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 ensures precise alignment and secure mounting of electronic modules onto interposers or PCBs, preventing damage and ensuring reliable electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
The projections form an interference fit with the guide pin to hold the connector body in a mounted position
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector for electrically coupling an electronic module and an electrical component. The connector includes a connector body that has first and second mating surfaces. The connector body includes interconnects that extend through the connector body between the first and second mating surfaces for electrically coupling the module and the component. The connector body has a hole extending therethrough along a central axis. The hole is configured to receive a guide pin from one of the module and the component. The connector also includes surface mount projections that are coupled to the connector body and extend toward the central axis of the hole. The projections engage and flex against the guide pin when the guide pin is inserted into the hole. The projections form an interference fit with the guide pin to hold the connector body in a mounted position.