SMA Connector Clamping for Low-Profile Board Interconnects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hard-disk drives and data storage systems require cost-effective, low-profile interconnect solutions that can efficiently connect and disconnect circuit boards in dense storage environments, while minimizing costs and maximizing storage capacity.
Innovation Solution
The use of shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators to pivotally move clamping portions of connectors, allowing for an open configuration for easy insertion and a closed configuration for secure contact with circuit boards, combined with materials like fiberglass and gold-plated contacts for reliable and durable connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mechanical actuators are used to open/close connector clamping portions, then the connector can reliably connect and disconnect circuit boards, but the connector profile height increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical actuators (motors, solenoids, springs) with a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator that uses thermal activation to drive the clamping portions between open and closed positions. The SMA wire transforms thermal energy into mechanical motion through phase change, eliminating the need for complex mechanical actuation mechanisms and reducing the connector profile height.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the shape memory alloy from austenite (high-temperature, contracted state) to martensite (low-temperature, elongated state) through temperature control. By applying heat or cold to the SMA wire, the material undergoes phase transformation that directly actuates the clamping portions, enabling compact actuation without increasing connector height.
2Reliability
If traditional mechanical actuators are used to open/close connector clamping portions, then the connector can reliably connect and disconnect circuit boards, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical actuators with a shape memory alloy actuator that consists of a simple wire or strip. The SMA actuator eliminates the need for motors, gears, springs, and associated control mechanisms, significantly reducing part count, assembly complexity, and manufacturing cost while maintaining reliable connection and disconnection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary mechanical components from the actuation system. By removing motors, springs, and complex linkages, the design retains only the essential SMA wire that performs the actuation function, thereby reducing manufacturing cost and simplifying production.
3Productivity
If connectors are designed for dense storage environments, then storage capacity increases, but the connector profile must be reduced which complicates the actuation mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses shape memory alloy to replace complex mechanical actuation mechanisms with a simple thermal-responsive wire. This allows the connector to achieve a low profile suitable for dense storage environments without requiring complex reduced-scale actuation mechanisms, as the SMA wire provides sufficient actuation force in a compact form.
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
This solution provides a low-cost, low-profile interconnect system that can efficiently connect and disconnect circuit boards in dense storage environments, reducing costs and enabling higher storage density by allowing for closer packing of storage cartridges or carriers, while ensuring reliable and durable connections.
Implementation Method 1
a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator operably coupling the first and second clamping portions to pivotally move the first and second clamping portions into the open position
Data Source
AI summary
Connector devices or connectors for use in interconnection to a circuit board may be configured in an open or closed configuration. The connectors devices may utilize a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator to move clamping portions with respect to each other into one or both of the open or closed positions.