Spring-Loaded Inner Conductor Contact Element for High-Frequency Board-to-Board Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Board-to-board connectors for high-frequency signals face challenges due to increased costs and geometric extent from using multiple parts in SLC technology, which complicates assembly and logistics, and struggles to meet spacing requirements between high-frequency contact elements.
Innovation Solution
A spring-loaded inner conductor contact element with a metallic inner conductor surrounded by an electrically insulating elastomer, allowing axial extension variability and providing sufficient contact pressure through a compressed elastic element, reducing the number of parts and geometric extent while ensuring reliable high-frequency transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple individual components are used for SLC contact elements, then reliable electrical contact is achieved, but assembly complexity and logistics costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple previously separate components (inner conductor, insulating element, elastic element) into a single integrated contact element. The insulating element and elastic element are merged into one component that surrounds the inner conductor, eliminating the need for separate assembly of these parts while maintaining their individual functions of insulation and spring loading.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated contact element performs multiple functions simultaneously: the inner conductor provides electrical conduction, the insulating element provides electrical insulation and mechanical support, and the elastic element provides spring loading and contact pressure. This multi-functional design reduces the overall component count while achieving the same reliability as multiple separate components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional SLC contact elements are used, then axial offset compensation is achieved, but geometric extent increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the inner conductor is positioned within the insulating element, which in turn is surrounded by the elastic element. This concentric arrangement allows all functional components to occupy the same spatial envelope, minimizing the overall geometric extent while maintaining axial offset compensation capability through the elastic element's deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a linear arrangement of separate components to a three-dimensional concentric configuration. The insulating and elastic elements wrap around the inner conductor in radial directions, allowing axial offset compensation to occur through radial compression rather than requiring extended axial length, thus reducing the overall geometric extent.
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
This solution minimizes the number of individual parts and geometric extent, ensuring reliable electrical contact and efficient high-frequency transmission by using a single component that combines insulation and axial elasticity, effectively addressing the axial offset between high-frequency components.
Implementation Method 1
due to the elasticity of the elastic element and the fixing of the elastic element to the at least one inner conductor, a spring force can be transmitted from the elastic element to the at least one inner conductor in a compressed state of the elastic element
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 1E~1F
AI summary
The invention relates to a spring-loaded inner-conductor contact element comprising at least one inner conductor and an elastic element that surrounds the at least one inner conductor. The axial dimension of the at least one inner conductor can be modified. The at least one inner conductor is metallic. The elastic element is made of an electrically insulating material and is attached to each inner conductor.