Connector Assembly Grounding via Spring Finger Elasticity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies for electronic devices face issues with unreliable grounding due to loose connections between conductive pads and metallic shells, especially after repeated mating with counterparts.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly featuring an insulative cover with a printed circuit board, conductive members with spring fingers, and a secure mounting system that ensures consistent electrical contact through a combination of platforms, conductive members, and spring fingers, providing reliable grounding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conductive pad with a hole is threaded and assembled to a bolt to achieve grounding function, then the grounding function is improved, but the connection becomes loose after repeated mating operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the static rigid conductive pad with a dynamic spring finger structure. The spring finger can elastically deform and automatically adjusts its position to maintain constant contact pressure with the metallic shell, ensuring reliable grounding connection even after repeated mating operations. The spring finger's elastic property allows it to accommodate dimensional variations and wear without losing electrical contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and mechanical properties of the grounding component from a rigid pad to a flexible spring structure. By transforming the grounding means into a spring finger with elastic properties, the system can dynamically adapt to dimensional changes and maintain optimal contact pressure, resolving the issue of loose connections after repeated use.
2Device complexity
If a rigid conductive pad is used for grounding, then the structure is simple, but the electrical contact becomes unreliable after repeated mating
Solution Approach 1:
The spring finger introduces dynamic capability to the grounding structure, allowing it to automatically compensate for wear and dimensional variations through elastic deformation. This dynamic adjustment mechanism maintains reliable electrical contact without requiring complex multi-component assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring finger structure is self-adjusting and self-regulating. It automatically maintains optimal contact pressure with the metallic shell through its elastic properties, eliminating the need for external adjustment mechanisms or complex control systems. The spring finger serves itself by using its own elastic deformation to compensate for connection loosening.
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 a stable and reliable grounding mechanism, maintaining electrical connectivity and preventing loose connections, thus enhancing the performance and durability of the connector assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a spring finger formed at a front edge of the arm, the main body supported by the platform, the spring finger contacting the printed circuit board
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly (100) includes an insulative cover (11, 12) defining an interior and an exterior, and the insulative cover having at least one platform (18) disposed outside of the interior thereof; a printed circuit board (3) located in the interior of the insulative cover; at least one connector (2) mounted to the printed circuit board; and a conductive member (4) fixed to the insulative cover, said conductive member (4) including a main body (41), an arm (42) extending forwardly from the main body and a spring finger (43) formed at a front edge of the arm, the main body supported by the platform, the spring finger contacting the printed circuit board.