Orthogonal Card Edge Connector With Self-Latching PCB Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signal relay connectors require significant space on motherboards and necessitate the use of costly mounting hardware, which increases both cost and space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A high-density orthogonal card edge connector system that includes a first connector with solder hold-down posts and securing openings, and a second connector with resilient latching projections and mating connector alignment portions, allowing secure attachment without additional hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional signal relay connectors are used, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but significant space on motherboard is required
Solution Approach 1:
The connector transitions from a planar configuration to a three-dimensional orthogonal structure, allowing the daughterboard to be positioned perpendicular to the motherboard. This vertical arrangement reduces the horizontal footprint on the motherboard while maintaining reliable electrical connections through the vertical contact interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector components are nested within each other, with the daughterboard inserted into the connector housing, which in turn is mounted on the motherboard. This nested arrangement consolidates multiple components into a compact integrated assembly, minimizing the space required on the motherboard.
2Reliability
If mounting hardware is used to secure the connector, then mechanical stability is achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates self-latching mechanisms and integrated mounting features that automatically secure the connector to the motherboard without requiring external mounting hardware. The housing includes built-in attachment elements that engage with corresponding features on the motherboard, providing mechanical stability while eliminating the need for separate fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting function is merged with the connector housing itself, combining the structural support and attachment functions into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate mounting hardware and reduces overall manufacturing cost while maintaining mechanical stability.
3Reliability
If mounting hardware is used to secure the connector, then mechanical stability is achieved, but space on motherboard increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting function is merged with the connector housing itself, combining the structural support and attachment functions into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate mounting hardware that would occupy additional space on the motherboard.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates self-latching mechanisms and integrated mounting features that automatically secure the connector to the motherboard without requiring external mounting hardware. The housing includes built-in attachment elements that engage with corresponding features on the motherboard, providing mechanical stability while minimizing space requirements.
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 connector system effectively reduces the space required on motherboards and eliminates the need for mounting hardware, thereby lowering costs and enhancing space efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
resilient latching projections are formed from mating connector alignment portions positioned on the side plates proximate a connector receiving surface of the second connector. The resilient latching projections of the second connector cooperate with the securing openings of the first connector to secure the second connector to the first connector.
Implementation Method 2
The first connector is secured to the substrate by soldering the solder hold down posts to the substrate.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector system having a first connector and a second connector. The first connector is mounted to a substrate and includes a housing and a first shell. The first shell has solder hold down posts which extend from a circuit board mounting surface of the first connector. Securing openings are provided in side walls of the first shell. The second connector includes a daughterboard and a second shell. The second shell has side plates, resilient latching projections are formed from mating connector alignment portions positioned on the side plates proximate a connector receiving surface of the second connector. The resilient latching projections of the second connector cooperate with the securing openings of the first connector to secure the second connector to the first connector. The first connector is secured to the substrate by soldering the solder hold down posts to the substrate.