IC Socket Electrical Connector Contact Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors for IC sockets suffer from shot circuits and damage when the 'C' shaped contacts deflect, leading to ineffective and unreliable connections between IC sockets and printed circuit boards.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an upper and lower contact with an elastic member between them, featuring a protruding portion and an expanding portion to create a receiving space, ensuring secure and stable connections by preventing deflection and maintaining contact integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a 'C' shaped contact is used to provide elastic force for mating, then the connection is maintained, but shot circuit occurs and damage happens when the contact deflects
Solution Approach 1:
The contact is divided into multiple segments: upper contact portion, lower contact portion, and intermediate portion. This segmentation allows each part to perform specific functions - the upper and lower portions provide elastic force while the intermediate portion prevents shot circuit by being received in the receiving space, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining connection strength and preventing damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving space formed by the expanding portion acts as an intermediary structure that receives the intermediate portion of the contact. This intermediary mechanism allows the contact to deflect elastically while preventing direct metal-to-metal contact that would cause shot circuit, thereby maintaining elastic force without causing damage.
2Ease of operation
If the contact deflects to maintain mating, then elastic force is provided, but shot circuit occurs
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the contact into upper, lower, and intermediate portions, the design allows the intermediate portion to deflect within the receiving space while the upper and lower portions maintain mating. This segmentation enables easy operation through elastic deformation while preventing shot circuit by confining the deflection path.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate portion is nested within the receiving space formed by the expanding portion. This nesting arrangement allows the intermediate portion to move and deflect elastically while being constrained within a safe space, preventing shot circuit while maintaining the ease of operation needed for mating.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple contact structure is used, then manufacturing is easy, but connection reliability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The contact is segmented into distinct portions with specific functions, where the intermediate portion is received in the receiving space. This segmented structure improves connection reliability by preventing shot circuit while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through straightforward forming processes for each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the contact have different local qualities and functions: the upper and lower portions provide elastic force, while the intermediate portion provides shot circuit prevention by being received in the receiving space. This local differentiation improves overall connection reliability without significantly complicating manufacturing.
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 configuration enhances the reliability and durability of the electrical connector by preventing shot circuits and ensuring secure mating between the IC socket and printed circuit board, reducing the risk of damage to both components.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member receives the first contacting portion therein and is located between the first connecting portion of the upper contact and the second contacting portion of the lower contact
Data Source
AI summary
An electric contact used to electrically connecting an IC socket to a PCB, comprises an upper contact, a lower contact and an elastic member between them. The upper contact comprises a first connecting portion to be connected to the IC socket and a first contacting portion with less length than the first connecting portion. The lower contact comprises a second connecting portion and a second contacting portion connecting with the second connecting portion. The second connecting portion includes an expanding portion adjacent to the second contacting portion. The second contacting portion forms a receiving space for the first contacting portion. The first connecting portion also defines a protruding portion projecting along a thickness direction.