Low Profile Socket Connector With Pivotable Extractor
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Solution Overview
Problem
The need for a low profile socket connector that can be used in limited space applications, such as those adhering to the Advanced Telecommunications Computing Architecture (ATCA) standard, while ensuring adequate airflow for cooling components.
Innovation Solution
A socket connector design featuring a housing with a pivotable extractor that has a thin profile to minimize height and width, allowing for easy installation and extraction of module cards without obstructing airflow, and includes electrical contacts with a preload mechanism to ensure secure connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the connector height is reduced to meet ATCA standards, then space utilization is improved, but airflow to components may be restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The extractor is designed with a thin profile using flexible materials that allow it to occupy minimal vertical space while maintaining functionality. The thin film structure enables the extractor to be positioned close to the card edge without obstructing the airflow path to components, thus resolving the contradiction between low profile requirement and adequate cooling airflow.
2Length of stationary object
If the extractor profile is reduced to minimize height, then space constraints are satisfied, but extraction force may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The extractor design shifts the extraction mechanism from vertical force application to horizontal card movement. By engaging the card edge and guiding it horizontally out of the socket, the extractor achieves effective extraction with minimal vertical profile, resolving the contradiction between reduced height and sufficient extraction capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The extractor incorporates a pivotable connection that allows it to dynamically adjust its position and angle during the extraction process. This dynamic movement enables the thin extractor to apply effective extraction force through rotational motion rather than requiring significant vertical displacement, maintaining extraction effectiveness while minimizing height.
Data Source
AI summary
A socket connector for connecting module card to a circuit board includes a housing extending along a longitudinal axis between opposed ends. The housing includes a mounting face configured for mounting on the circuit board and a slot configured to receive a mating edge of the module card. The slot has a bottom surface that defines a seating plane for the mating edge of the module card. An extractor is pivotably connected to at least one of the opposed ends. The extractor includes a foot having a card engagement surface that is relatively higher than the bottom surface when the extractor is in a closed position.