Interconnect Corner Frame Spring Beam Compliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interconnect devices with plastic frames and deflectable spring fingers struggle to securely hold smaller electrical components due to inadequate compliance and spring force, as the working range of the spring fingers is insufficient for smaller spaces.
Innovation Solution
The interconnect device features a frame with corner frames that include a base and an engagement member connected by opposing spring beams, allowing for resilient deflection and sufficient compliance to insert and securely hold smaller electrical components, with the spring beams spreading apart to provide the necessary spring force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the socket space is reduced to accommodate smaller electrical components, then the miniaturization of electrical components is achieved, but the working range of spring fingers becomes inadequate and they over-deflect past their working range
Solution Approach 1:
The corner frame is segmented into multiple functional parts: a base, an engagement member, and opposing spring beams. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function - the spring beams provide resilient support while the engagement member provides locating function, resolving the contradiction between compact space and reliable compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement member is designed to be resiliently deflectable relative to the base through the spring beams, creating a dynamic compliance mechanism. This dynamic structure allows the engagement member to deflect during insertion and then return to hold the component securely, maintaining reliability in reduced socket space.
2Ease of operation
If the spring finger working range is increased to provide sufficient compliance for insertion, then the compliance for insertion is improved, but the spring force to hold and locate the component becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The spring beams are arranged in an opposing configuration that allows them to spread apart from each other as the engagement member deflects. This geometric arrangement in multiple dimensions provides mechanical advantage, generating sufficient spring force while maintaining the necessary deflection range for insertion compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring beams are configured to change their geometric parameters (spreading apart) as the engagement member deflects. This parameter change optimizes the force-deflection characteristics, providing adequate compliance during insertion while maintaining sufficient holding force through the spring action.
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 design enables the secure insertion and retention of smaller electrical components within smaller spaces, addressing the limitations of existing interconnect devices by providing adequate compliance and spring force.
Implementation Method 1
The engagement member is configured to be resiliently deflected toward the base in a compliance direction via engagement with the first electrical component. Opposing spring beams mechanically connect the engagement member to the base. The spring beams are configured to spread apart from each other as the engagement member is deflected in the compliance direction.
Data Source
AI summary
An interconnect device includes a contact assembly having a carrier holding an array of conductors configured to provide an electrical path between first and second electrical components. The interconnect device includes a frame defining a receiving space configured to receive the first electrical component therein. The frame includes corner frames configured to engage the first electrical component to locate the first electrical component within the receiving space. Each of the corner frames includes a base and an engagement member configured to engage the first electrical component as the first electrical component is received into the receiving space. The engagement member is configured to be resiliently deflected toward the base in a compliance direction via engagement with the first electrical component. Opposing spring beams mechanically connect the engagement member to the base. The spring beams are configured to spread apart from each other as the engagement member is deflected in the compliance direction.