SMT Connector Interlocking Reduces Rotational Moment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surface-mount (SMT) connectors, particularly DIMM sockets, face issues with rotational moments about the longitudinal axis due to factors like center of mass, shock, vibration, and design, leading to undesirable shear stress on SMT joints and pad delamination, which existing technologies fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of interlocking features between adjacent electrical connector bodies to distribute lateral forces across adjacent connector bodies, reducing rotational moments at the base of each connector connected to a printed circuit board through rigid member braces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional DIMM socket design is used allowing rotation of the module, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to high lateral load and torsional moment on SMT joints
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is segmented into multiple connector bodies that are coupled together through interlocking features. This segmentation distributes the lateral load across multiple connection points rather than concentrating it at a single base, thereby reducing the rotational moment and shear stress on individual SMT joints while maintaining the overall structural integrity needed for ease of insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple connector bodies are merged into a unified assembly through interlocking features that create a coupled structure. This merging allows the connectors to function together as a single unit that resists rotational moments more effectively than individual connectors could alone, improving reliability without compromising the ease of operation of the overall assembly.
2Reliability
If interlocking features are added between adjacent connector bodies, then reliability is improved by distributing lateral force, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is divided into multiple discrete connector bodies, each with its own interlocking features. This segmentation allows the complex load-distributing functionality to be achieved through modular components that can be manufactured and assembled using existing processes, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlocking features are designed to automatically engage and distribute lateral forces when connectors are assembled, without requiring additional active components or complex control mechanisms. The structure itself provides the load-distributing function through its geometry and mechanical interlocking, improving reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
3Reliability
If rigid member braces are used to constrain rotation, then reliability is improved by reducing rotational moment, but ease of operation deteriorates due to restricted movement
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking features between connector bodies are designed with controlled flexibility that allows for insertion movement while maintaining rotational constraint. The coupling mechanism provides dynamic characteristics that permit the necessary degree of freedom for assembly but resist excessive rotation that would harm SMT joints, thereby balancing reliability improvement with ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical properties of the interlocking features are optimized to provide different levels of resistance to different types of movement. The structure allows for easier movement in the insertion direction while providing greater resistance to rotational moments, changing the mechanical parameters selectively to improve reliability without significantly compromising ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes a first connector body having an interlocking feature extending therefrom. The interlocking feature interlocks the first connector body with a complimentary interlocking feature extending from an adjacent second connector body to distribute a lateral force on either the first or second connector bodies across the adjacent connector body thereby reducing a rotational moment at a base of each electrical connector connected to a printed circuit board (PCB).