Low Insertion Force Socket With Lead-In Channel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing low insertion force sockets lack a lead-in mechanism, leading to potential damage when pin grid array packages are improperly aligned during insertion, causing interference with housing or terminal sidewalls.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of upper narrow lead-in channels and lower wide passages in the dielectric housing to guide and secure pins of the pin grid array package, preventing damage to terminals during improper insertion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If no lead-in mechanism is provided in the housing, then the device structure remains simple, but the terminals may be damaged when pins are improperly aligned during insertion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterminal damage preventionVSAvoidhousing structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lead-in channel is provided in advance within the housing to guide the pin along a predetermined path before it reaches the terminal. This preliminary guiding action prevents misalignment issues before they can cause damage, as the pin is steered into the correct position by the tapered lead-in channel structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The lead-in channel acts as an intermediary element between the pin and the terminal. It mediates the insertion process by providing a transition zone that gradually guides the pin from a potentially misaligned state to a properly aligned state, preventing direct contact between misaligned pins and vulnerable terminals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If rigid pins directly contact terminal sidewalls during improper insertion, then insertion force is high, but damage to housing or terminals occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion smoothnessVSAvoiddamage to housing or terminals

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lead-in channel features a tapered geometry where the cross-sectional area gradually increases from the entrance to the exit. This parameter change in the channel dimensions allows the pin to smoothly transition from a potentially misaligned position to a centered position, reducing insertion force and preventing damage to the housing or terminals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The lead-in channel provides a cushioning effect by distributing the insertion force over a longer distance and gradually guiding the pin into proper alignment. This beforehand cushioning prevents sudden impacts or binding that would occur if rigid pins directly contacted terminal sidewalls during misalignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS7402066B2Low insertion force socket with lead-in mechanism background of the invention

Publication Date: 2008.07.22 HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO LTD

AI summary

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a low insertion force socket (10) includes a dielectric housing (20) defining a number of through-holes extending through an upper surface (202) and a lower surface (204) thereof. The through-holes each include a passage (206) for retaining a terminal (30) and a circular lead-in channel (208) in communication with the passage. The lead-in channel has a diameter smaller than that of an associated passage.