Floating PCB Connector Assembly for Low-Profile Board Misalignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional board-to-board RF connectors with full coaxial ground are limited in achieving sufficient misalignment compensation, particularly in low profile applications below 8mm, as they restrict the total achievable float between printed circuit boards.
Innovation Solution
A float connector design featuring guide members with lead-in geometry openings and biasing members that allow axial and radial movement of contacts, enabling axial float and electrical connection without soldering, and incorporating a dielectric holder with spring members for increased float capability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a conventional full coaxial bullet connector is used for low profile applications below 8mm, then the profile height is reduced, but the total achievable misalignment compensation (float) is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate functional components: guide members that provide alignment features, a holder that supports contacts, and biasing members that enable float. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the guide members can be positioned to maximize float while maintaining a low profile overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates biasing members (springs) that allow the contact assembly to dynamically adjust its position axially and radially. This dynamic capability enables the connector to compensate for misalignment between printed circuit boards while maintaining electrical contact, resolving the contradiction between low profile and float capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If guide members with lead-in geometry and biasing members are incorporated to increase float capability, then misalignment compensation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into integrated components: the guide members incorporate both alignment features and mounting structures; the holder integrates contact support and structural stability; biasing members provide both axial and radial float. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies assembly while maintaining enhanced float capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide members serve multiple purposes: they provide mechanical guidance for assembly, structural support for the connector, and mounting attachment points. The biasing members simultaneously enable both axial and radial float. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
3Ease of manufacture
If pins are slidably received in holes to provide axial float and electrical connection without soldering, then ease of manufacture and assembly is improved, but connection reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Biasing members (springs) are incorporated to provide pre-compression force on the slidable pins. This beforehand cushioning ensures that the pins maintain constant contact pressure with the mating contacts, compensating for any wear or dimensional variations. The spring force prevents loose connections while allowing the pins to slide for float, thus maintaining reliability without sacrificing ease of assembly.
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 effectively compensates for both axial and radial misalignment between printed circuit boards, providing reliable electrical connections and improved float capability in low profile applications, while maintaining a low profile and reducing crosstalk between RF lines.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member between the contact assembly and one of the guide members
Implementation Method 2
the first and second ends of the plurality of contacts are spring biased pins that are axially moveable to provide the axial float
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3C
Figure 4
AI summary
A float connector for interconnecting two printed circuit boards that includes a contact assembly including a plurality of contacts and a holder therefor such that opposite ends thereof are exposed outside of the holder. The holder supports each contact in a clearance fit inside thereof, thereby allowing each contact to radially tilt to compensate for radial misalignment between the boards. A first guide member has a plurality of first guide features corresponding to the ends of the contacts, respectively, for aligning the contact ends for electrical connection with one board. A second guide member has a plurality of second guide features corresponding to the ends of the contacts, respectively, for aligning the contact ends for electrical connection with the other board. The contact assembly is axially moveable between the guide members along an axis generally parallel to longitudinal axes of the contacts to compensate for axial misalignment between the boards.