Dual Connector System Alignment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dual connector systems face challenges in aligning the dual connector module with the first and second electrical connectors on a host circuit board for proper mating, often resulting in misalignment and potential damage to contacts.
Innovation Solution
The dual connector system employs a design with towers and ledges on the second electrical connector's housing, along with biasing members, to position the module circuit board between the towers, ensuring accurate alignment and secure mating by sliding the module into a gap between the upper mating surface and ledges, with biasing members engaging the module's sides to maintain position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the dual connector module is loaded into position and then slid horizontally to mate with the electrical connectors, then the module can be connected to both connectors, but misalignment during mating may damage the contacts or cause improper mating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing alignment features (guiding rails, alignment pins, or tapered surfaces) on the module circuit board and corresponding alignment structures on the electrical connectors. These features pre-align the module with the connectors before the sliding mating operation begins, ensuring that contacts are properly positioned prior to engagement, thus preventing damage during the mating process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary alignment structures (such as guiding rails, alignment pins, or intermediate positioning elements) that mediate between the module circuit board and the electrical connectors. These intermediaries facilitate proper alignment and guide the mating motion, reducing the risk of misalignment and contact damage during the connection process
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the module circuit board is askew during mating, then the mating process becomes difficult, but the contacts may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetry in the design of alignment features, such as asymmetric guiding rails or shaped alignment pins that only fit in one orientation. This asymmetric design inherently prevents the module from being inserted askew, as misaligned insertion would be physically blocked, thereby ensuring proper orientation and preventing contact damage
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment features are designed to establish proper positioning before the actual contact engagement occurs. Guiding rails or alignment structures create a predetermined path that forces the module into correct alignment during the initial phase of insertion, ensuring that contacts are properly aligned before mating pressure is applied
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 ensures proper alignment and secure mating of the dual connector module with both electrical connectors, preventing contact damage and ensuring reliable electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
The housing has biasing members at each tower facing the gap configured to engage the module circuit board to locate the module circuit board between the towers
Data Source
AI summary
A dual connector system includes a host circuit board, a first electrical connector at a front mounting area of the host circuit board, and a second electrical connector at a rear mounting area of the host circuit board. The first electrical connector has a housing having a card slot for a module circuit board and the second electrical connector has a housing having an upper mating surface for the module circuit board. The housing has towers having ledges defining a gap between the upper mating surface and the ledges. The housing has biasing members at each tower facing the gap configured to engage the module circuit board to locate the module circuit board between the towers. The housing holds second contacts at the upper mating surface.