Low Resistance PCB Connector with Rotational Unmate Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coaxial connectors on printed circuit boards (PCBs) face issues with delamination when trying to unmate due to high resistance, and previous solutions that reduced unmate resistance caused unwanted interruptions in electrical systems.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector design featuring a first connector body with an inclined surface and a ledge, combined with a second connector body having flexible arms that engage the ledge to prevent axial movement, allowing for easy engagement and low-force unmate by rotating the connector bodies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the connection between coaxial cable and electrical connector is made easier to unmate, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to unwanted interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs a dynamic locking mechanism where arms can transition between engaged and disengaged states. The arms are biased by springs to engage with the connector body, but can be deliberately disengaged by applying force in a specific direction (pushing the connector body away from the cable), enabling controlled unmating without accidental separation
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates a preliminary anti-action mechanism where the arms are pre-biased to engage with the connector body, creating a locked state that prevents unwanted movement. To unmate, a deliberate counter-action force must be applied to overcome this preliminary engagement, ensuring that unmating only occurs when intentionally initiated
2Reliability
If higher resistance is required to unmate the connector, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to delamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
The connector uses a dynamic locking system where arms engage with the connector body through inclined surfaces and ledges. This engagement provides high resistance to axial separation forces, ensuring connection stability. The arms are positioned to distribute these forces across multiple contact points, preventing delamination of soldered connections and metallic traces on the PCB
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is segmented into multiple independent arms that engage with the connector body at different locations. This segmentation distributes the unmating force across multiple points rather than concentrating it at a single location, reducing the risk of delamination while maintaining overall connection stability
3Reliability
If the connector structure is made more complex to enable controlled unmate, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The arms serve multiple functions: they provide mechanical locking engagement with the connector body, transmit axial separation forces during unmating, and can be deliberately disengaged through a simple pushing motion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, managing overall device complexity while achieving reliable controlled unmate
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 easy and controlled unmate of the connector only when desired, reducing the risk of delamination and unwanted interruptions in electrical systems while maintaining secure connections.
Implementation Method 1
the outer sleeve having a least one arm extending between the front end and a middle portion and configured to engage the inclined portion and ledge of the forward portion to prevent axial movement of the first and second connector bodies relative to one another
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector has first and second connector bodies. The first connector body has an inclined surface and the second connector body has arms that correspond to the inclined surfaces. At the end of the inclined surfaces are generally flat portions forming a ledge that prevent the connector bodies from separating. To unmate the connector bodies, one connector body is rotated relative to the other, causing the arms to move from the generally flat portion to the outer surface of the second connector to allow them to be moved axially away from one another.