Socket Engaging Clump Prevents IC Mis-mating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors for IC packages and printed circuit boards face issues with mis-mating due to projections near contact passageways, which can interfere with contact assembly and result in unreliable retention of detachable keys.
Innovation Solution
A socket design featuring an insulative housing with engaging clumps that include a post and transverse arm to securely position and retain the IC package, preventing offset insertion and ensuring reliable assembly without interfering with contact placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If projections are formed on inner sides of sidewalls to engage with gaps on IC package, then mis-mating is prevented, but the projections interfere with contact assembly in passageways
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement structure is segmented into separate components: the insulative housing contains the contacts and passageways, while the detachable key is a separate element that engages with the IC package gaps. This segmentation allows the key to perform the engagement function without interfering with contact assembly in the housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement function is extracted from the insulative housing by using a detachable key that can be removed. The key is inserted into recesses formed in the bottom wall of the housing, separating the engagement mechanism from the contact assembly structure.
2Device complexity
If detachable keys are used to engage with gaps on IC package, then contact assembly is not interfered with, but the keys are unreliably retained and easily drop from the housing
Solution Approach 1:
The detachable key incorporates elastic elements (springs) that provide dynamic retention force. The elastic elements allow the key to be inserted and removed while maintaining reliable engagement during use, combining ease of assembly with secure retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable key merges multiple functions into a single component: engagement with IC package gaps, positioning of the package, and retention through elastic elements all integrated in one key structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If simple configuration is used for connector, then manufacturing is easier, but projections near passageways influence contact assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into the insulative housing containing contacts and the separate detachable key for engagement. This simple segmentation maintains ease of manufacture while eliminating interference with contact assembly precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A socket, for electrically connecting an IC package with gaps on two sides thereof and a printed circuit board, comprises an insulative housing, a plurality of contacts received in the insulative housing and a pair of engaging clumps. The insulative housing has a bottom wall and a plurality of sidewalls upwardly extending from the bottom wall, the sidewalls and the bottom wall together define a space for the IC package, two opposed sidewall further have engaging slots. The engaging clump is received in the engaging slot, and has a post entering into the space to engaging with the gap of the IC package and a transverse arm abutting against and position the IC package.