Receptacle Connector Movable Insert Impedance Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional receptacle connectors experience impedance variations due to dielectric material and varying contact spacings, leading to lower impedance in some areas and higher in others, which affects signal integrity and mechanical stability during mating with circuit cards.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a movable insert within the receptacle connector's housing that adjusts the position of contacts to ensure consistent mating engagement, reducing dielectric material in the mating zone and using ground bus bars for electrical connection, thereby optimizing impedance and mechanical stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If dielectric material is used in the housing to manufacture the receptacle connector, then the housing provides structural support and insulation, but the dielectric material lowers the impedance in the mating zone affecting signal integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the dielectric material from the mating zone by using a recessed cavity design where the cavity walls are positioned away from the contact tips. This removes the harmful dielectric effect from the critical signal path while maintaining the housing's structural support function in non-critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different structural qualities to different zones: the housing provides full dielectric support in non-mating areas, while the mating zone features a recessed cavity with reduced dielectric presence. This local differentiation allows the housing to maintain structural integrity where needed while minimizing impedance effects where signals are transmitted.
2Ease of manufacture
If contacts are held in a fixed slot in the housing, then manufacturing is simplified, but the contacts cannot adjust position to ensure consistent mating engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static fixed slot design to a dynamic spring-loaded contact system. The contacts are mounted on springs that allow them to move vertically, enabling automatic adjustment to ensure consistent mating engagement while maintaining manufacturability through standardized spring mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector system includes a receptacle connector having a housing, a contact assembly held in the housing and an insert movably received in the housing and supporting the contact assembly. The housing has a cavity and a mating end including a slot receiving a circuit card. The contact assembly is received in the cavity and includes contacts. Each contact has a base fixed in the cavity and a mating end movable relative to the base between an undeflected position and a deflected position. The insert is received in the cavity and is movable in the cavity between a forward position and a retracted position. The insert holds the mating ends of the contacts in the undeflected positions when in the forward position. The insert engages the contacts and forces the contacts to the deflected positions when in the retracted position.