Hermaphroditic High Speed Data Contact Set Pre-Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-speed data contact systems are not adapted for use in high life-cycle systems designed for thousands or tens of thousands of connection cycles or for mass interconnect systems, lacking effective pre-alignment and secure engagement mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A hermaphroditic high-speed data contact set with a multi-stage lead-in housing featuring beveled edges and angled shoulders for pre-alignment, latches for secure locking, and keying members for orientation, along with a termination subassembly with direct welding for high data rates, and the ability to inject potting material for protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If existing high-speed data contact systems are used, then data transmission capability is achieved, but cycle life is insufficient for thousands or tens of thousands of connection cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements pre-alignment features including beveled edges and angled shoulders on the insert shroud that perform alignment actions before the contacts engage. This preliminary action prevents misalignment during connection cycles, thereby extending cycle life and improving reliability for high life cycle applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates protective arms that extend from the insert shroud to protect contact beams before engagement occurs. These protective arms cushion and guide the contacts during insertion, preventing damage and extending the operational life of the contacts for thousands or tens of thousands of cycles
2Manufacturing precision
If existing engagement systems are used, then connection capability is achieved, but pre-alignment is insufficient leading to contact misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The insert shroud includes beveled edges and angled shoulders that perform pre-alignment of contacts before engagement. This preliminary alignment action ensures precise contact alignment while maintaining ease of operation during the engagement process
Solution Approach 2:
The insert shroud acts as an intermediary component between the contacts and the module, providing pre-alignment features that ensure precise contact alignment. The shroud mediates the engagement process by guiding contacts into proper alignment before they make final contact
3Ease of operation
If contacts are exposed without protection, then accessibility is improved, but contact damage and misalignment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses protective arms extending from the insert shroud that wrap around and protect contact beams. These protective arms provide shielding while maintaining accessibility, preventing contact damage and misalignment during engagement and operation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C
AI summary
A hermaphroditic high speed data contact set having an insert shroud and a termination subassembly. A plurality of protective arms extend from its front to protect contact beams of the termination subassembly and provide multi-stage re-alignment of contacts during engagement. A plurality of raised bosses engaged with a plurality of hollows in the bottom of an adjacent insert shroud to allow stacking of contact sets. A pair of latches lock the insert shroud into a module after insertion. A pair of keying members on the sides of contact set prevent incorrect insertion of a contact set into a module.