Orthogonal Electrical Connector Mounting Flange Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connector architectures for printed circuit boards (PCBs) face challenges in achieving both compactness and robustness, with conventional connectors often compromising on strength when aiming for a compact design, and failing to efficiently transmit signals in high-speed data processing devices.
Innovation Solution
The development of an electrical connector with an insulating housing, multiple electrically conductive terminals, and a mounting flange with a threaded connection system, allowing for robust and compact mounting to PCBs, utilizing a direct-connect orthogonal architecture to reduce signal degradation and enhance mechanical stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional electrical connectors are designed to be compact, then the device size is reduced, but the mechanical strength and reliability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connector introduces a mounting flange extending from the housing, adding a dimensional element perpendicular to the signal transmission direction. This flange provides additional mounting surfaces and attachment points, enabling robust mechanical fixation without increasing the footprint of the main connector body, thus achieving both compactness and strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into distinct functional segments: the housing containing signal terminals, the mounting flange for mechanical attachment, and the contact tails for PCB connection. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - the housing remains compact for signal integrity, while the flange provides extended mechanical support.
2Reliability
If the signal transmission distance is reduced in direct-connect orthogonal architecture, then signal degradation is minimized, but the mounting complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting flange serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical attachment to the PCB, positions the connector accurately, and supports the housing structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate mounting components, simplifying the overall mounting process despite the complex orthogonal architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design integrates the mounting flange directly into the housing structure, allowing the connector to self-mount without requiring external fixation mechanisms. The contact tails are configured to insert directly into PCB holes, and the flange provides inherent positioning and securing capabilities.
3Reliability
If two separable electrical connectors are used to connect daughter cards to back plane, then the connection is established, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting flange and housing are integrated into a single unified structure, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets or fastening components. This merging reduces the number of assembly steps and components, enabling faster assembly while maintaining secure mechanical and electrical connections.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector, electrical connector assembly, electrical device and electrical interconnection system configured for use in electronic devices with direct connect orthogonal architectures. The electrical connector comprises: an insulating housing; at least one electrically conductive terminal, with at least a part of each of the at least one electrically conductive terminal being accommodated in the insulating housing; and a mounting flange, the mounting flange having a mounting hole for mounting the electrical connector to component PCB. A threaded connecting member may pass through the mounting hole and be connected to a first PCB. A portion of the mating interface part of the connector may extend below the mounting interface of the connector so as to abut an edge of the PCB. The electrical connector can simultaneously provide compactness and robustness.