LGA Socket Contact Conductor Cap Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Land grid array (LGA) socket assemblies with exposed cantilever beam edges are prone to damage from objects moving over them, leading to potential repair or replacement of the entire board.
Innovation Solution
Designing contact conductors with a first portion extending above the top surface and a second portion terminating below the top surface, eliminating exposed edges that can catch on objects, and incorporating a cap portion with a retainment edge to prevent conductor dislodgment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cantilever beams are exposed above the mating surface, then electrical contact function is achieved, but the exposed edges are prone to damage when objects are moved over them
Solution Approach 1:
The contact conductor is extended in the vertical dimension by adding a cap portion that covers the exposed edge. The cap portion extends from the top surface upward, creating a protective overlay that maintains the horizontal contact function while adding vertical protection. This dimensional extension allows the contact edge to remain accessible for electrical contact while being protected from lateral forces applied to the top surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap portion acts as a protective shell or film that covers the vulnerable exposed edge of the contact conductor. This thin-walled structure provides protection against damage from objects moving across the surface while maintaining the underlying contact conductor's functionality. The cap portion can be made of resilient material that accommodates contact forces while protecting the edge.
2Reliability
If contact conductors are resilient to accommodate position variations, then electrical contact is maintained, but exposed edges can catch on objects and cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cap portion extends in the vertical dimension to cover the vulnerable exposed edge while allowing the contact conductor to maintain its resilient horizontal function. The cap creates a protective envelope that prevents lateral forces from directly impacting the edge, while the contact conductor beneath can still flex to accommodate position variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap portion provides preemptive protection by covering the exposed edge before any damaging force is applied. This protective structure is in place beforehand to prevent the edge from catching on objects, while the resilient contact conductor maintains electrical contact stability through its ability to accommodate position variations.
3Ease of manufacture
If the contact conductor terminates at the exposed edge, then manufacturing is simplified, but the exposed edge is vulnerable to damage requiring board replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The cap portion adds vertical extension to the contact conductor structure, covering the exposed edge without complicating the horizontal trace fabrication. The cap can be applied as a separate component or integrated during the molding process, providing protection while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through standardized processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap portion is nested over the exposed edge of the contact conductor, creating a protective enclosure. This nested structure allows the simple traced conductor to be protected by an additional layer without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity, as the cap can be molded or attached in a single operation.
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
The solution reduces the risk of damage to the LGA socket assembly and minimizes the need for repairs or board replacements, thereby lowering costs and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The cantilever beams are resilient, thereby accommodating vertical position variations from cell to cell
Data Source
AI summary
A land grid array socket assembly comprises a plurality of cells, with each cell comprising an insulative body having a top surface, and contact conductor that has a first portion that extends from a board contact point up to and beyond the top surface to a contact bend, and a second portion that extends from the contact bend to terminate below the top surface and within the insulative body.