Deflectable Contact Arms for Adaptable Electrical Connectors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors are inflexible in terms of length and terminal number, making them unsuitable for adapting to different widths of card edges in Central Processing Units.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector features adjustable terminal blocks with deflectable contacting arms and connecting feet, allowing for customizable arrangement along a transverse direction to accommodate various card edge widths, with a shielding plate for secure coverage and cable connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the electrical connector uses a fixed length and fixed number of terminals, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the adaptability to different card edge widths is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector is divided into multiple terminal blocks, each containing a specific number of terminals. These terminal blocks can be selectively assembled to match different card edge widths, allowing the connector to adapt to various configurations without requiring a completely different design for each width.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design allows for dynamic configuration by selecting different numbers and arrangements of terminal blocks based on the specific card edge width required. This enables the same basic connector design to be adapted to multiple applications through flexible assembly rather than fixed manufacturing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the electrical connector uses a fixed number of terminals, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the versatility for different applications is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the connector into standardized terminal blocks, the manufacturing process remains relatively simple as each block can be produced using the same processes. The versatility is achieved through combinatorial assembly of these standardized blocks rather than through complex custom manufacturing for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal blocks are designed with universal features that allow them to be used in multiple configurations and applications. The same basic terminal block design can serve different purposes when arranged in different numbers and patterns, achieving versatility without requiring multiple specialized manufacturing processes.
3Reliability
If the contacting arms are made deflectable, then the connection reliability is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contacting arms are designed with specific material properties and geometric parameters that enable deflection. By carefully selecting the material composition, cross-sectional dimensions, and length of the contacting arms, they achieve the desired flexibility and reliability without requiring additional structural elements or complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The contacting arms transition from rigid to deflectable structures, allowing them to dynamically adapt to manufacturing tolerances and assembly variations. This dynamic capability improves connection reliability by enabling the arms to bend and make proper contact even when there are slight misalignments, without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
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
This design enables flexible adaptation to different card edge widths, ensuring secure and adaptable connections while maintaining structural integrity and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The first deflectable contacting arms of the pair of first terminals bend in a face to face style to form an inserting space in the vertical direction. The second deflectable contacting arms of the pair of second terminals bend in a face to face style to form the inserting space in the vertical direction.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector comprises a plurality of terminal blocks arranged along a transverse direction. The terminal block includes a vertical insulative plate, a pair of first terminals, and a pair of second terminals. The first terminal includes a first deflectable contacting arm and a first connecting foot. The second terminal includes a second deflectable contacting arm and a second connecting foot. The first deflectable contacting arm and the second deflectable contacting arm are arranged one by one along the transverse direction. The first deflectable contacting arms of the pair of first terminals bend in a face to face style to form an inserting space in the vertical direction. The second deflectable contacting arms of the pair of second terminals bend in a face to face style to form the inserting space in the vertical direction.