Reverse-Gender Pin Contact Retention for High-Density Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-density reverse-gender connectors face challenges in retaining pin contacts due to lack of space for conventional retention features, requiring entire connector replacement if a contact becomes inoperable, which is costly and wasteful.
Innovation Solution
A reverse-gender pin contact design featuring a body with a hollow portion, neck, and retention feature extending transverse to the axis, where the retention feature is compressed to slide past a shoulder, allowing secure insertion and easy removal without tools, and maintaining signal integrity in high-speed applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional retention features (molded retention fingers or retention clip) are used, then pin contacts can be retained in the connector, but the center-to-center distance between adjacent pins must be large enough to accommodate these features, which increases connector size and reduces density
Solution Approach 1:
The retention feature is nested within the insulator body, utilizing the insulator's internal space rather than requiring external space. The retention feature is formed as an integral part of the insulator structure, allowing pin contacts to be retained without increasing the overall connector footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanism transitions from a two-dimensional surface feature to a three-dimensional volumetric feature. The retention feature extends axially within the insulator and utilizes radial compression against the pin contact, creating a retention mechanism that operates in multiple dimensions simultaneously.
2Area of stationary object
If encapsulation of contacts is used to enable retention in high density layouts, then pin contacts can be retained without increasing connector size, but the entire connector must be replaced if a pin contact becomes inoperable, which is costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into replaceable pin contact units and a reusable insulator body. Each pin contact can be individually removed and replaced by compressing the retention feature axially, allowing repair of single failed contacts without replacing the entire connector assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention feature transitions from a static retention structure to a dynamic structure that can be compressed axially to release pin contacts. The retention mechanism includes a compression direction that allows controlled release of pin contacts when force is applied in the axial direction.
3Area of stationary object
If the center-to-center distance between adjacent pins is reduced for high density layout, then connector size is reduced, but there is no room for conventional contact retention features
Solution Approach 1:
The retention mechanism utilizes axial compression and radial expansion dimensions rather than relying on lateral space between pins. The retention feature is compressed in the axial direction and expands radially to engage the pin contact, creating a retention mechanism that operates perpendicular to the plane of pin arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanism utilizes changes in cross-sectional area of the retention feature during compression and expansion. When axially compressed, the retention feature's cross-sectional area increases radially to engage and retain the pin contact, and when uncompressed, the cross-sectional area decreases to allow pin contact insertion and removal.
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 secure retention and easy replacement of pin contacts without tools, reducing installation force and allowing high-speed signal transmission while withstanding vibrations and shocks, meeting industry standards for extreme environments.
Implementation Method 1
the retention feature being subjected to compressive forces by the shoulder, resulting in a reduction of the first cross-sectional area of the retention feature and neck
Implementation Method 2
the retention feature returning to an uncompressed condition upon entering the second section, thereby retaining the engaging end inside the second section
Data Source
AI summary
A reverse-gender pin contact for use with a connector having a high density layout, includes a body having a hollow first portion extending along an axis for receiving a conductor. The first portion extends along the axis to a neck, the neck extending along the axis to an engaging end for insertion inside a mating socket contact. A retention feature extends from the neck transverse to the axis.