Interposer Card Connector for PCB Misalignment Tolerance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Misalignment between electrical connector assemblies and printed circuit boards due to tolerance stackups leads to stress and reliability issues in electronic systems.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly design featuring a backplane connector that is movable within a plane at an angle relative to an axis, with an interposer member positioned between the electrical connector and the backplane connector, allowing for relative movement and alignment adjustments to accommodate misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrical contacts are made deformable to accommodate misalignment, then misalignment tolerance is improved, but connection reliability deteriorates due to added stress
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is divided into three separate components: an electrical connector, an interposer member, and a backplane connector. This segmentation allows each component to maintain its structural integrity while the assembly as a whole accommodates misalignment through the relative movement capability of the backplane connector, eliminating the need for deformable contacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The interposer member acts as an intermediary component between the electrical connector and the backplane connector. It provides a stable connection interface while allowing the backplane connector to move independently to accommodate misalignment, thus protecting the electrical contacts from stress and deformation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid connectors are used to maintain connection stability, then connection stability is improved, but misalignment accommodation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The backplane connector is designed with movable characteristics, allowing it to shift position within a plane arranged at an angle relative to the connector axis. This dynamic capability enables the rigid connector structure to adapt to misalignment while maintaining stable electrical connections through the intermediary interposer member.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the connector assembly into separate components with distinct functions, the patent allows the backplane connector to be movable while keeping the electrical connector and interposer member stable, thus achieving both stability and adaptability simultaneously.
3Manufacturing precision
If tolerance stackup is reduced through tighter manufacturing tolerances, then alignment precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of tightening manufacturing tolerances to achieve better alignment, the patent changes the approach by allowing the backplane connector to move within a defined range. This parameter change from precision control to movement accommodation simplifies manufacturing while maintaining alignment effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The interposer member serves as a mediator that decouples the alignment requirements from the manufacturing tolerances. It allows standard-tolerance components to be assembled while still achieving precise electrical alignment through the movable backplane connector mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly includes an electrical connector including a plurality of electrical contacts and a backplane connector electrically connectable to the electrical connector. The backplane connector is positioned along an axis with the electrical connector and is movable within a plane arranged at an angle relative to the axis. An interposer member is mechanically connected to and electrically connectable to the plurality of electrical contacts and is positioned along the axis. The interposer member is positioned between the electrical connector and the backplane connector.