Floating Connector Assembly for High-Density RF Mating Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors face challenges in achieving a higher density of contacts while ensuring proper alignment during mating operations, which can lead to damage if not aligned sufficiently.
Innovation Solution
The connector assembly includes a connector module with a floating element that allows limited lateral movement relative to the substrate, facilitating alignment during mating. This design incorporates a mounting frame with a float pocket that accommodates the floating element, allowing for precise alignment of contacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If connector density is increased, then contact density is improved, but alignment difficulty during mating increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body is designed with a floating element that allows dynamic movement relative to the substrate. This floating element can move laterally to accommodate misalignment during mating operations, enabling high contact density without sacrificing alignment ease. The dynamic adjustment occurs through the floating element's ability to shift position within the float pocket formed by the locating element and substrate.
2Quantity of substance
If connector density is increased, then contact density is improved, but contact damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The float pocket provides a cushioning space that allows the floating element to move and absorb misalignment forces before they reach the contacts. This pre-cushioning mechanism protects the high-density contacts from damage during mating operations by accommodating alignment variations in a controlled manner within the oversized float pocket.
3Ease of operation
If floating movement is allowed, then alignment ease is improved, but connector stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The floating element is designed with specific local qualities that enable controlled movement in certain directions while maintaining stability in others. The element can move laterally within the float pocket for alignment purposes, but the oversized pocket constraints and the element's structural properties ensure it returns to or maintains a stable operational position once alignment is achieved, providing both ease of operation and stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly includes a connector module having a connector body received in a passage through a substrate. The connector body includes a floating element that extends from the connector body. The connector body holds RF contacts and coaxial cables coupled to the RF contacts. The connector assembly includes a mounting frame coupled to the substrate having a locating element extending from the mounting frame. The locating element is spaced apart from the substrate to form a float pocket between the locating element and the substrate. The float pocket receives the floating element of the connector body and is oversized relative to the floating element to define a confined space to allow a limited amount of floating movement of the connector module relative to the substrate in a lateral direction that is perpendicular to the mating direction.