Reversible Micro Connector Tabs for Uniform Stress Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rework techniques for micro connectors in next-generation computing cores exhibit nonuniform stress distributions, leading to degradation of sockets and temporary connections.
Innovation Solution
A reversible attachment micro connector with a socket and pin design featuring tabs with negative longitudinal curvature, allowing multiple connection cycles with uniform stress distribution and retention through three-dimensional bending and buckling instabilities, utilizing metal contact layers and elastomer support for uniform stress management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If strain-based micro connectors are used for rework techniques, then connections can be established and removed, but nonuniform stress distributions occur that work against temporary connections and degrade sockets
Solution Approach 1:
The socket includes tabs with negative longitudinal curvature (spheroidal geometry) that protrude into the cavity. This curvature enables uniform stress distribution during pin insertion and removal, preventing socket degradation while maintaining rework capability. The curved tabs bend in three dimensions during mating operations, distributing mechanical stress evenly across the contact interface.
2Productivity
If traditional micro connector designs are used, then connections can be made, but stress concentrations occur that degrade the socket over multiple mating cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The negative longitudinal curvature of the tabs creates a stress-distributing geometry that eliminates concentration points. During rapid mating operations, the curved tabs absorb and distribute mechanical energy uniformly, preventing fatigue-induced degradation even after multiple connection cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameter of the tabs from straight to negatively curved, fundamentally altering the stress distribution characteristics. This parameter change enables the socket to withstand repeated mating operations without degradation, maintaining reliability alongside high productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If reversible attachment is implemented multiple times, then rework and testing are enabled, but nonuniform stress distributions cause connection degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The negatively curved tabs maintain uniform stress distribution during each reversible attachment cycle, preserving connection quality across multiple operations. The curvature ensures that stress is evenly distributed regardless of the number of mating cycles, maintaining manufacturing precision while enabling adaptability.
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
Enables multiple reversible connections with uniform stress distribution, reducing high-stress concentrations, and ensuring secure retention of pins without degradation, suitable for fine-pitch microelectronic assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of tabs bend in three dimensions during insertion of the pin and removal of the pin. The negative longitudinal curvature generates a stress distribution that is uniform between the pin and the plurality of tabs while the pin is seated in the socket.
Implementation Method 2
the surround structure and the plurality of tabs are formed of an elastomer. the elastomer provides a spring force that biases the plurality of contact layers against the pin.
Implementation Method 3
the plurality of contact layers bend asymmetrically in a transverse direction through buckling instabilities during the insertion and the removal of the pin.
Data Source
AI summary
A reversible attachment micro connector includes a pin and mounted on a first assembly and a socket mounted on a second assembly. The socket is operational to mate with the pin at least two times to establish an electrical connection, and separate from the pin at least once. The socket includes a surround structure that defines a cavity with a floor. The cavity is sized to receive the pin. Multiple tabs are disposed in the cavity and coupled to the surround structure. The tabs have a negative longitudinal curvature that protrudes into the cavity. The tabs bend in three dimensions during insertion of the pin and removal of the pin. The negative longitudinal curvature generates a stress distribution that is uniform between the pin and the tabs while the pin is seated in the socket. The pin is retained in the socket based on the stress distribution.