Moveable High-Density Socket Connector for Pin Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional cable connectors with two rows of pins are low density, requiring more space for increased pin counts, leading to larger package sizes, and socket pins are fragile and prone to damage during handling.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer socket connector design with a moveable housing that protects socket pins when not in use and exposes them for connection, using a first housing with socket pins and a second housing that moves between protective and exposed positions, facilitated by springs and hooks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional two-row pin connectors are used, then the connector structure is simple, but the pin density is low and package size increases with higher pin counts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional two-row pin arrangement to a grid array configuration with pins arranged in multiple rows and columns. This dimensional reorganization allows significantly higher pin density within the same footprint, enabling more connections without increasing package size.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket pins are embedded within a housing structure that provides protection and structural support. The pins are nested within the connector body in a grid pattern, allowing dense packing while maintaining accessibility for mating connections.
2Ease of operation
If socket pins are exposed for connection, then connectivity is enabled, but the pins are fragile and prone to damage during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates a moveable housing that can transition between a closed protective position and an open connection position. This dynamic mechanism allows the pins to be protected during handling and transport, then exposed only when needed for mating connections, reducing the risk of damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed to automatically position and protect the pins before connection occurs. The moveable housing pre-establishes a protective environment for the fragile pins, ensuring they remain safeguarded until the actual connection event requires their exposure.
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
Enables higher-density pin arrangements while reducing the risk of damage to socket pins, allowing for improved IO capabilities without increasing package size.
Implementation Method 1
The socket connector includes a spring to bias the second housing away from the first housing
Implementation Method 2
The second housing is moveably coupled to the first housing... facilitated by springs and hooks
Data Source
AI summary
High-density socket connectors are disclosed herein. An example socket connector includes a first housing to be coupled to a substrate, The first housing has a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and a first opening extending through the first housing between the first side and the second side. The socket connector includes a socket pin disposed in the first opening. The socket connector further includes a second housing moveably coupled to the first housing. The second housing has a third side, a fourth side opposite the third side, and a second opening extending through the second housing between the third side and the fourth side. The socket pin extends into the second opening of the second housing. The second housing is moveable relative to the first housing between a first position and a second position.