Socket Connector Protruding Plate Impact Absorption
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Socket connectors in electronic devices are prone to fatigue and damage due to frequent insertion and removal of header connectors, and can be damaged by inappropriate or external objects, leading to deformation or removal of conductive terminals.
Innovation Solution
A socket connector design featuring a non-conductive first plate with conductive terminals and a second plate that protrudes beyond the terminals, bent towards the plate surfaces, to absorb external impacts and prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the socket connector is designed with only conductive terminals and minimal structure, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the strength and resistance to damage from external objects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The socket connector is divided into multiple functional parts: a first plate structure providing support, a second plate structure with protruding portions for insertion guidance, and multiple conductive terminals. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - the plate structures can be designed for strength while terminals are arranged for electrical connection, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket connector combines different material properties by using plate structures (likely metallic or rigid polymer) for mechanical strength and support, while incorporating conductive terminals for electrical function. The composite structure of plates plus terminals provides both the required strength against external objects and the electrical connectivity needed, while maintaining manufacturability through standardized components.
2Device complexity
If the socket connector has a simple structure without protective features, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability against damage from external objects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The second plate structure includes protruding portions that extend beyond the conductive terminals in the insertion direction. These protruding portions act as preliminary protective elements that make contact with the header connector first during insertion, guiding proper alignment and preventing excessive force from being applied directly to the vulnerable conductive terminals and internal structure. This preliminary action protects the connector without requiring complex protective mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the socket connector is designed with frequent insertion and removal capability, then the adaptability is improved, but the durability and resistance to fatigue deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The socket connector incorporates flexible or elastic elements in its design, allowing the structure to dynamically respond to insertion and removal forces. The plate structures and terminal arrangements are designed to flex and return to their original positions, accommodating repeated mechanical cycles. This dynamic capability enables frequent connector operations while maintaining durability by dissipating stress through controlled deformation rather than rigid failure.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a processor and a socket connector, wherein the socket connector includes: a housing including a first opening, a second opening, and an inner space between the first opening and the second opening; and a connection unit coupled to the first opening, wherein the connection unit has a top surface on which one or more first terminals electrically connected to the processor are disposed, and a bottom surface on which one or more second terminals electrically connected to the processor are disposed, and includes a first plate formed of a non-conductive member in at least a portion of an area of the inner space, and a second plate disposed between at least a portion of the top surface and at least a portion of the bottom surface, wherein the second plate has a portion protruding from the one or more first terminals or the one or more second terminals in the direction of the second opening into which a header connector can be inserted, and at least a portion of the protruding portion can be bent in the direction of at least one of the top surface or the bottom surface. Various other embodiments are possible.