Sliding Latch Electrical Connector Space-Efficient Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LGA socket connectors are problematic due to exposed electrical contacts that can be damaged during handling, and their loading mechanisms occupy valuable space on printed circuit boards, requiring an improved design for secure and space-efficient loading.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector with a sliding latch mechanism that includes a stiffener, a rotating load plate, and a sliding latch capable of horizontal and vertical movement to securely lock or unlock the load plate, allowing for efficient loading and unloading of integrated circuit packages without damaging the contacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional loading mechanism with a load lever having a ninety degree range of movement is used, then the load plate can be latched at a closed position, but the loading mechanism occupies significant space on the printed circuit board
Solution Approach 1:
The load lever is changed from a rigid 90-degree rotating mechanism to a flexible wire form that can deform elastically. This dynamic flexibility allows the latch to achieve the same locking function with minimal space occupation, as the wire can bend and conform to the tongue without requiring a large arc of movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire load lever is positioned within the confines of the stiffener structure, nesting the latching mechanism inside the existing framework. This allows the latch to operate within the vertical profile of the connector rather than extending outward, significantly reducing the horizontal space required on the circuit board.
2Ease of operation
If the electrical contacts are exposed when the socket is opened, then the loading mechanism can access the contacts, but the exposed contacts can be damaged during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The load plate serves as an intermediary component between the loading mechanism and the electrical contacts. It provides a protected interface that allows the package to be loaded and unloaded without direct exposure of the contacts to external forces, thereby preventing contact damage while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The load plate acts as a protective cushion that covers and shields the exposed electrical contacts during the loading and unloading process. This pre-established protection prevents accidental contact with or damage to the delicate contact beams while still allowing the necessary mechanical operations to proceed.
3Reliability
If a metal wire load lever with large range of movement is used, then the latching function is achieved, but the loading mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The complex rigid linkage mechanism with multiple connection points and 90-degree rotation requirements is extracted and replaced with a simple flexible wire form. This eliminates the need for complex joints, pivots, and alignment features, significantly reducing the overall structural complexity while maintaining the essential latching function.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes a socket with a number of electrical contacts and a loading mechanism surrounding the socket. The loading mechanism includes a stiffener, a load plate mounted to one end of the stiffener and rotating from an open position to a closed position, and a sliding latch mounted to an opposite end of the stiffener. The load plate has a plate portion and a tongue extending downwardly from the plate portion at said opposite end. The sliding latch moves on the stiffener in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction to lock or unlock the load plate.