Socket Connector Retaining Device for Housing Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional socket connectors experience loose engagement over time due to limited one-dimensional movement restriction between the insulating housing and the reinforcing plate, leading to disengagement issues.
Innovation Solution
A socket connector design featuring an insulative housing with a frame that includes a stopper portion and a resilient claw portion for secure retention, allowing for improved engagement and retention through a mating interface and mounting interface configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional reinforcing plate with simple housing engagement is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of the connection deteriorates over time due to loose engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining device incorporates a resilient claw portion that can dynamically adjust its position. The claw portion is designed to be flexible and can deform elastically to engage with the housing, providing adaptive retention rather than rigid fixed engagement. This dynamic characteristic allows the connection to maintain reliability while accommodating minor dimensional variations and stress changes over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining device is divided into distinct functional segments: a stopper portion for limiting movement in one direction and a resilient claw portion for providing elastic retention in another direction. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, with the stopper handling compression forces and the claw handling retention forces, thereby improving overall connection stability without requiring a monolithic complex structure.
2Reliability
If only one-dimensional movement restriction is provided, then the manufacturing precision requirements are reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to loose engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining device transitions from one-dimensional movement restriction to multi-dimensional constraint. The stopper portion restricts movement in a first direction (e.g., vertical), while the resilient claw portion restricts movement in a second direction (e.g., horizontal or radial). This multi-dimensional engagement provides comprehensive retention, improving reliability without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances in any single dimension.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient claw portion changes its physical state from undeformed to deformed, utilizing elastic deformation as a retention mechanism. The claw is designed with specific elastic properties that allow it to deform during assembly and then spring back to maintain constant retention force. This parameter change (deformation) provides reliable engagement while compensating for variations in manufacturing precision.
3Reliability
If a resilient claw portion is added to the retaining device, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper portion and resilient claw portion are unitarily formed as an integrated retaining device attached to the reinforcing plate. This merging of components simplifies the overall structure by eliminating the need for separate retention mechanisms, reducing the number of parts to assemble, and lowering manufacturing complexity while maintaining the reliability benefits of multi-directional engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining device serves multiple functions simultaneously: the stopper portion provides movement limitation in one direction, the resilient claw portion provides retention in another direction, and together they provide both positioning and securing functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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
The solution ensures a secure and stable connection between the housing and the frame, preventing disengagement and maintaining a reliable electrical connection between the IC package and the PCB.
Implementation Method 1
One face of the frame is supported by the stopper portion and the opposite face is abutted against by the resilient claw portion
Data Source
AI summary
A socket connector (100) includes an insulative housing (1) and a frame (3). The housing defines a mating interface (101), a mounting interface (102) opposite to the mating interface and periphery faces between the mating interface and the mounting interface. The frame has an opening (31) therein to accommodate the housing. At least one retaining device (11) includes a stopper portion (111) and a resilient claw portion (113) unitarily formed on the periphery face of the housing. One face of the frame is supported by the stopper portion and the opposite face is abutted against by the resilient claw potion while the housing is assembled in the opening of the frame.