Deflectable Latch With Curved Pressing Tab for Memory Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical connectors with metal latches can scrape the surface of memory modules due to their sharp edges, causing operational disadvantages.

Innovation Solution

The electrical connector features a deflectable metal latch with a restriction tab and a pressing tab, including a downward oblique guiding section and a folded section with a curved linking region, which gently presses against the memory module's surface without scraping, providing secure engagement in both vertical and front-to-back directions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a metal latch with a pressing tab is used to secure the memory module, then the retention force is improved, but the surface of the memory module is scraped due to the sharp edge of the pressing tab

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretention forceVSAvoidsurface scraping

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing tab is designed with a curved surface instead of a sharp edge, allowing it to press down on the memory module without concentrating stress at a single point. This curvature distributes the contact pressure across a larger area, preventing surface scraping while maintaining adequate retention force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The latch structure is designed with differentiated local properties: the restriction tab has engagement features for front-to-back restriction, while the pressing tab has a specifically designed curved contact surface for vertical pressing. Each part is optimized for its specific function, with the pressing tab's curved surface locally adapted to prevent surface damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the pressing tab is made deflectable to reduce surface scraping, then the surface damage is reduced, but the retention reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface damageVSAvoidretention reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing tab is designed as a deflectable element that can dynamically adapt to the memory module surface. When the memory module is inserted, the pressing tab deflects to accommodate surface variations, then maintains continuous contact pressure. This dynamic behavior ensures both surface protection and reliable retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The curved surface of the pressing tab acts as a cushioning element that absorbs and distributes contact forces before they reach the memory module surface. This pre-cushioning effect prevents stress concentration and surface damage while maintaining adequate retention force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS10446958B2Card edge connector equipped with deflectable latch having folded locking tab with round edge thereof

Publication Date: 2019.10.15 FOXCONN INTERCONNECT TECHNOLOGY LTD

AI summary

An electrical connector includes an insulative housing and a plurality of contacts are retained in the housing. A pair of metal latches are assembled on the housing. The latch includes a deflectable arm with a restriction tab for engagement within the corresponding notch of the memory module so as to restrict movement of the memory module in a front-to-back direction, and with a pressing tab beside the restriction tab for downwardly pressing the memory module so as to restrict movement of the memory module in a vertical direction. The pressing tab includes a downward oblique guiding section, and a folded section intimately under the guiding section with a curved linking region between the oblique guiding section and the folded section for downwardly pressing the surface of the memory module without scraping.