Floating RF Connector Pin Assembly for Low-Stress PCB Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF connector pin assemblies with floating contact pins face challenges in assembly due to the need for restraints that are larger than the passage, leading to stress on the carrier or header and potential damage during installation, especially in multi-pin configurations.
Innovation Solution
The RF connector pin assembly features a housing with segmented dielectrics and a contact pin design that includes a first and second pin section, along with an annular collar, which allows for axial movement within defined stop surfaces, eliminating the need for restraints larger than the passage and reducing assembly stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If restraints are made larger than the passage inside diameter to limit axial movement of the contact pin, then the contact pin can be retained in the carrier, but assembly stress increases and the carrier or header may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the restraint function into two separate components: the contact pin shaft and the carrier with passage. The shaft has a reduced outside diameter in the restraint region compared to conventional designs, allowing it to fit through the passage without forcing. The restraint is achieved through the geometric relationship between the shaft's restraint features and the passage's restraint features, rather than requiring the restraint to extend beyond the passage diameter. This segmentation eliminates assembly stress while maintaining contact pin retention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the contact pin shaft has a smaller outside diameter than the passage inside diameter to allow free sliding, then axial movement is enabled, but the contact pin cannot be restrained bidirectionally
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a dynamic restraint system where the contact pin shaft can move axially within controlled limits. The shaft includes restraint features (such as ridges or shoulders) that engage with corresponding features in the carrier passage. These features allow the shaft to slide freely in one direction while being restrained in the opposite direction, or provide bidirectional restraint within defined limits. This dynamic design enables the contact pin to accommodate PCB surface non-uniformity while maintaining reliable retention.
3Reliability
If restraints extend radially outwardly beyond the passage inside diameter to limit axial movement, then axial movement is restricted, but insertion becomes difficult and may damage the carrier
Solution Approach 1:
The invention resolves the dimensional conflict by transitioning from a radial dimension solution to an axial dimension solution. Instead of extending restraints radially outwardly beyond the passage diameter (which causes assembly difficulty), the restraint features are positioned axially within the passage. The contact pin shaft has restraint features at specific axial locations that engage with the carrier passage during insertion, providing axial movement limitation without requiring radial extension beyond the passage inside diameter. This dimensional shift enables easy assembly while maintaining effective restraint.
Data Source
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AI summary
A radio frequency (RF) connector pin assembly is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the RF connector pin assembly includes a first dielectric, a second dielectric, and a contact pin positioned in a housing. The contact pin has a first pin section, a second pin section, and an annular collar. Axial movement of the contact pin is limited by the annular collar moving in a gap between the first and second dielectrics. The first pin section is adapted to provide electrical continuity with an external component, for example, a connector, and the second pin section terminates distally in a connection feature, which may be connected to an external structure, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB). The contact pin axially moves, or floats, in response to movement of the connection feature by engagement with the external structure. Multiple housings may be independently removably mounted in a block with independently movable contact pins.