Spring-Biased Electrical Connector for Stable Differential Impedance
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed data connectors experience signal reflections and losses due to variations in differential mode impedance within the connector system, which are not adequately matched to neighboring sections, leading to mechanical requirements that are difficult to meet.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a housing with a terminal module and a spring that biases the terminal module in an axial direction, ensuring a defined position of the electrical terminals relative to each other, thereby minimizing signal reflections and losses by maintaining a consistent impedance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If mechanical requirements are met to absorb vibration between separable contact spheres, then adequate normal forces are achieved, but differential mode impedance varies from target value causing signal reflections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spring mechanism that provides dynamic adjustment capability. The spring allows the terminal module to be biased in the axial direction, enabling the system to adapt to mechanical requirements for vibration absorption while maintaining controlled impedance through elastic deformation rather than rigid fixed positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism changes the physical state from rigid to elastic, allowing the terminal module position to be adjusted through controlled deformation. This parameter change enables the system to meet both mechanical strength requirements and impedance control requirements simultaneously by allowing position variation within elastic limits.
2Manufacturing precision
If defined position of electrical terminals is ensured to minimize signal reflections, then impedance matching is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional positioning mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is integrated as part of the terminal module assembly, merging the positioning function with the existing structural components. This integration avoids adding separate complex positioning mechanisms while still achieving the defined position requirement through the spring's biasing action.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism is self-regulating, automatically providing the necessary biasing force to maintain terminal position without requiring external control systems or complex adjustment mechanisms. The elastic properties of the spring itself provide the positioning function.
3Stability of the object's composition
If spring mechanism is added to bias terminal module axially, then terminal position stability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is designed as a thin-walled elastic structure that can be formed from standard materials using conventional manufacturing processes. This flexible structure provides the necessary biasing force while being cost-effective and easy to manufacture compared to rigid positioning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism uses simple elastic materials that can be manufactured at low cost using standard processes. The spring is designed to be a simple, replaceable component rather than a complex precision part, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining functional effectiveness.
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 spring mechanism ensures a precise axial alignment of electrical terminals, reducing signal reflections and losses, and facilitating manufacturing at a lower cost by using adaptable spring materials and designs such as arc-shaped or Y-shaped configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a spring that biases the terminal module in an axial direction
Implementation Method 2
the spring exerts a force in the axial direction onto the terminal module
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes a housing with a terminal module inserted in the housing in an axial direction, an electrical terminal fixed in the terminal module, a cover latched with the housing, and a spring that biases the terminal module in the axial direction.