Floating Connector Plug Structure for Precise Mating Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing size and weight of circuit board assemblies in electronic devices, coupled with higher signal transmission rates, result in connectors experiencing larger torsional and lateral forces, leading to significant partial mating distances and difficulties in enhancing signal transmission rates.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a floating connector plug with elastic members and stoppers, guided by a guide assembly, allows for precise alignment and reduced demating values through elastic preloading and guided positioning, enabling efficient signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the circuit board assembly size and weight increase to accommodate more electronic components, then the integration level and component quantity improve, but the connectors experience larger torsional and lateral forces causing increased partial mating distance
Solution Approach 1:
The connector plug is designed to float dynamically within the fixed housing rather than being rigidly fixed. The first elastic member enables the stopper to float in the plug-connect direction, and the connector plug can float in the first plane, allowing the connector to adapt dynamically to torsional and lateral forces while maintaining reliable connection
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic properties of the first elastic member are utilized to change the mechanical parameters of the connector system. The elastic member provides preloading force and allows elastic deformation under torsional and lateral loads, transforming the rigid connector structure into a flexible one that maintains connection reliability despite increased forces from larger circuit board assemblies
2Reliability
If the connector structure is made more rigid to reduce partial mating distance, then connection reliability improves, but the ability to accommodate torsional and lateral forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector transitions from a rigid structure to a dynamic floating structure. The connector plug floats in the first plane with clearance from side walls, and the stopper floats in the plug-connect direction with clearance from the connector plug, allowing the structure to absorb torsional and lateral forces through elastic deformation rather than rigid resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is segmented into multiple independent floating components: the fixed housing, the floating connector plug, and the floating stopper driven by the elastic member. This segmentation allows each component to move independently to accommodate forces while maintaining overall connection reliability
3Reliability
If floating mounting is implemented to reduce demating value, then connection effect improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The floating mounting mechanism is segmented into simple, discrete components: elastic members positioned between the bottom wall and stopper, stoppers positioned between the connector plug and elastic members, and guide assemblies with guide pins and guide sleeves. This segmentation makes the complex floating mechanism easier to manufacture and assemble
Solution Approach 2:
Guide assemblies act as intermediaries to simplify the floating mounting process. The guide pins and guide sleeves provide straightforward positioning and alignment, reducing the complexity of achieving precise floating positions 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
The solution improves connector alignment and reduces demating values, enhancing signal transmission efficiency and reliability in high-density electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
The first elastic member is disposed between the bottom wall and the stopper, and the first elastic member is configured to drive the stopper to float in the plug-connect direction of the connector plug
Implementation Method 2
The guide assembly includes a guide sleeve and a guide pin, and the guide pin may be inserted into the guide sleeve to perform coarse positioning
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A connector (5) is disclosed. The connector (5) includes a fixed housing (01), a connector plug (02), a first elastic member (03), and a stopper (04). The fixed housing (01) includes a bottom wall (011) and side walls (012), and the bottom wall (011) and the side walls (012) are connected to form an insertion cavity (013). The connector plug (02) is mounted in the insertion cavity (013), and a first gap (a) exists between the connector plug (02) and the side wall (012). The first elastic member (03) is disposed between the bottom wall (011) and the stopper (04), and is configured to drive the stopper (04) to float in a plug-connect direction of the connector plug (02), and a second gap (b) exists between the stopper (04) and the connector plug (02). The fixed housing (01) is fastened to a first limiting block (05), and the first limiting block (05) is disposed on a side that is of the stopper (04) and that is away from the first elastic member (03). The first limiting block (05) is located between the stopper (04) and the connector plug (02), and limits the stopper (04). The first elastic member (03) remains preloaded, and drives the stopper (04) to press against the first limiting block (05), so that the first elastic member (03) can provide particular preload. When the connector (5) is plug-connected to a counterpart connector (7), partial mating distances between the connector plug (02) and the counterpart connector (7) are relatively small in various directions. A circuit board assembly (2) and an electronic device are also disclosed.