Self-Retained Slider Contact Pin for High-Frequency Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contact pins for electronic devices often introduce unwanted inductance, capacitance, and impedance when used with high-frequency circuits, and they may not be self-retaining, which can lead to mechanical issues under load.
Innovation Solution
A self-retained slider contact pin design featuring interlocking notches and fingers formed from coined or stamped conductive strips, along with a bias spring for compliance and retention, ensuring secure engagement and reduced impedance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional spring contact pins are used, then mechanical retention is achieved, but unwanted inductance and capacitance are introduced in high-frequency circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The contact pin is divided into multiple discrete components: a first contact member, a second contact member, and a biasing element. These segmented parts work together to provide both mechanical retention and reduced electrical impedance, resolving the contradiction between reliability and harmful electromagnetic factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing element provides dynamic compliance, allowing the contact members to maintain optimal electrical contact while accommodating mechanical movements. This dynamic structure reduces unwanted inductance and capacitance compared to rigid traditional spring contacts, while maintaining reliable mechanical retention.
2Ease of manufacture
If contact pins are not self-retaining, then manufacturing and assembly are simpler, but mechanical issues occur under load
Solution Approach 1:
The contact pin structure is self-retaining, with the first and second contact members automatically securing each other through their interlocking configuration and the biasing element maintaining constant contact pressure. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional retention structures, maintaining ease of manufacture while ensuring mechanical stability under load.
3Reliability
If extruded contacts are crimped together, then self-retention is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than using a single complex extruded contact requiring crimping, the invention segments the contact into two simpler members that interlock. This segmentation reduces the complexity of each individual component while achieving self-retention through their combined configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second contact members are nested within each other, with one contact member positioned inside the other. This nesting arrangement provides self-retention through the interlocking structure while maintaining simplicity in the overall device design, avoiding the need for complex crimping operations.
4Reliability
If stamped contacts with tabs and slots are used, then self-retention is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The contact structure is segmented into two separate contact members that interlock, eliminating the need for precise tab-and-slot alignment within a single stamped piece. This segmentation reduces manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining self-retention functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic biasing element allows for accommodation of minor manufacturing variations in the contact members. The spring-like action compensates for small dimensional tolerances, reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements while ensuring reliable self-retention.
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 design provides a self-retained, compliant contact solution that minimizes unwanted impedance and ensures reliable electrical connectivity across mechanical loads, enhancing performance in high-frequency applications.
Implementation Method 1
A bias spring pushes apart the first contact and the second contact
Data Source
AI summary
A self-retained slider contact pin has a first contact which is coined to form a first notch and a first finger, and a second notch and a second finger. The first finger and the second finger extend longitudinally relative to the first contact and generally parallel to the first notch and the second notch. A second contact is coined to form an opening and a first channel, and a second opening and a second channel. The first contact and the second contact inter-fit in alignment with the first finger extending through the opening and into the first channel and the second finger extending through the second opening and into the second channel, such that the first finger and the second finger retain together in sliding engagement the first contact and the second contact. A bias spring pushes apart the first contact and the second contact.