Rotatable CPU Clip for PCB Connector Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical connectors for CPUs on printed circuit boards lack a reliable mechanism to stably hold the CPU during loading, often resulting in damage due to unbalanced situations and manual handling.

Innovation Solution

An electrical connector assembly with a rotatable clip and load plate system, where the clip is mounted on the PCB and includes a holding section for the CPU, and a load plate that presses the clip or CPU to establish a secure connection, preventing damage during loading.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual handling is used to load CPU, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential damage from unbalanced situations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of loadingVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The clip is pre-configured with a holding section that automatically engages with the CPU package before final insertion. This preliminary action secures the CPU in place, preventing unbalanced situations during loading while maintaining ease of operation through automatic engagement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The clip acts as an intermediary component between the manual handling process and the CPU connection. It provides a mechanical interface that transfers the loading force evenly to the CPU, eliminating direct finger contact risks while maintaining operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a securing mechanism is added to hold CPU during loading, then reliability is improved, but device complexity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidconnector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clip is integrated directly into the electrical connector housing, merging the securing function with the existing connector structure. This eliminates the need for separate securing mechanisms while maintaining reliability, as the clip becomes an inherent part of the connector assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The clip serves multiple functions: it holds the CPU during loading, provides positioning alignment, and secures the connection after insertion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, maintaining simplicity while improving reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10116076B2CPU retainer mounted upon PCB

Publication Date: 2018.10.30 FOXCONN INTERCONNECT TECHNOLOGY LTD

AI summary

An electrical connector assembly includes an electrical connector with an insulative housing retaining a plurality of conductive contacts therein, and a clip positioned by one end of the housing and adapted to be mounted upon a loading cavity in the housing. The clip includes a mounting section for mounting to the PCB, and a holding section forming a holding cavity for holding the CPU wherein the holding section is rotatable relative to the mounting section and adapted to be downwardly pressed by the load plate which is pivotally mounted by the other end of the housing opposite to the clip.