Surface Mount Connector Recesses for Pick and Place Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electronic devices, surface mount connectors are often positioned close together on a printed circuit board, leading to issues where the arms of a pick and place machine can inadvertently contact adjacent connectors during the soldering process, causing potential failures or dislodgment.
Innovation Solution
The connectors feature recesses on their sides that allow the pick and place machine arms to extend outward without contacting adjacent connectors, enabling closer spacing while maintaining structural integrity and allowing for efficient use of board real estate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If connectors are positioned closer together on the board, then board real estate is used more efficiently, but adjacent connectors may be contacted by pick and place arms causing failures or dislodgment
Solution Approach 1:
The connector housing is segmented with recesses that create distinct engagement zones for pick and place arms. These recesses divide the connector's outer surface into functional zones: engagement zones (with recesses) for arm interaction and non-engagement zones (without recesses) that prevent accidental contact with adjacent connectors during placement operations.
2Ease of operation
If pick and place arms are extended outward to release connectors, then connectors can be properly positioned, but adjacent connectors may be inadvertently contacted and dislodged
Solution Approach 1:
The connector housing exhibits local quality variations through strategically placed recesses. These recesses create localized engagement features that concentrate the pick and place arm's contact points. The areas without recesses have different functional properties - they serve as non-engagement zones that naturally guide the arm's motion and prevent unwanted contact with adjacent connectors during the release operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A surface mount connector includes a housing including inner surfaces surrounding a card edge region, and outer surfaces defining an exterior region. The connector also includes a recess in at least one of the outer surfaces, the recess sized to accept a removably engageable arm therein. The connector also defines a cross-sectional width that is smaller in the recess than at a position adjacent to the recess. Other embodiments are described and claimed.