Elastic Contact Support Connector for Positional Misalignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors face challenges in accommodating positional inaccuracies without requiring large ranges of motion from the connector contacts, which limits their ability to transmit high-frequency signals effectively.
Innovation Solution
The use of an elastically deformable element that exerts a force to urge the contact support in a specific direction, allowing the connector to accommodate larger positional inaccuracies and enabling the use of shorter contacts for higher frequency signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional rigid contact support is used, then manufacturing precision can be maintained, but the connector cannot accommodate positional inaccuracies and requires longer contacts for lower frequency transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The contact support is transformed from a rigid structure to a dynamic, elastically deformable structure. The elastomeric material allows the contact support to flex and adapt to positional variations in the mating connector, accommodating inaccuracies without requiring long contact elements. The elastic deformation enables the system to dynamically adjust to misalignment while maintaining electrical contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical properties of the contact support are changed by using elastomeric material with specific elastic modulus and damping characteristics. This parameter change allows the contact support to exhibit controlled compliance, absorbing positional errors through elastic deformation rather than requiring precise rigid alignment or extended contact length.
2Manufacturing precision
If longer connector contacts are used to accommodate positional inaccuracies, then alignment tolerance improves, but the ability to transmit high-frequency signals deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic contact support dynamically absorbs alignment variations through controlled deformation, ensuring that the electrical contact length remains short while still accommodating positional inaccuracies. This dynamic compliance allows the use of short contacts that maintain high-frequency signal integrity without sacrificing alignment tolerance.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the material parameters of the contact support to elastomeric properties, the system achieves both alignment tolerance and high-frequency performance. The elastic modulus and damping characteristics are selected to optimize the balance between compliance for misalignment and rigidity for signal transmission, eliminating the need for long contacts.
3Measurement precision
If the contact support is made rigid for precise positioning, then positioning accuracy improves, but the connector cannot absorb engagement forces and protect contacts
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric material properties are selected to provide both positioning accuracy and shock absorption. The elastic modulus is optimized to maintain precise contact support positioning during normal operation while allowing sufficient compliance to absorb engagement forces and protect the electrical contacts from damage during connector mating.
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 solution allows for the transmission of higher frequency signals by accommodating positional inaccuracies without necessitating extensive motion from the connector contacts, enabling more efficient signal transmission while maintaining reliable contact alignment.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically deformable element, in a deformed state, exerts a force that urges the contact support in a contact direction
Implementation Method 2
the elastically deformable element inhibits a movement of the contact support from a position in which the contact support intersects a reference plane
Data Source
AI summary
A connector comprising a contact support, and an elastically deformable element, wherein the connector defines a contact direction, and in a deformed state, the elastically deformable element exerts a force that urges the contact support in the contact direction.