Stackable Electrical Connector with Deflectable Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors are inflexible in terms of height and terminal count, making them unsuitable for mating with various Central Processing Units (CPUs) as they have a fixed height and number of terminals.
Innovation Solution
The design features a stackable configuration of first and second terminal blocks with deflectable contacting arms and connecting feet, allowing for adjustable height and terminal count, enabling the connector to mate with different CPUs by forming an inserting space in the vertical direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the electrical connector uses a fixed height and fixed number of terminals, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot adapt to different CPU mating requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector is divided into multiple terminal blocks, each containing a subset of terminals. These terminal blocks can be independently stacked in different quantities to match different CPU requirements. For example, when fewer terminals are needed, fewer terminal blocks are stacked, reducing the overall height while maintaining the required terminal count.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector structure transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. The number of terminal blocks stacked determines both the height and the number of terminals, allowing the connector to adapt its dimensions and functionality based on specific mating requirements with different CPUs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the electrical connector has a fixed height, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but it cannot accommodate varying terminal counts for different applications
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal structure is segmented into modular terminal blocks, where each block contains a standardized set of terminals. By stacking different numbers of these standardized blocks, the total terminal count can be adjusted without changing the basic design or manufacturing process of individual blocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal blocks are designed with universal stacking capability and standardized interfaces. The same terminal block design can be used in different quantities to create connectors with varying terminal counts, making the manufacturing process more flexible while maintaining consistency in production.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the electrical connector uses a fixed number of terminals, then the design is straightforward, but it lacks flexibility for different CPU configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into discrete terminal blocks that can be independently configured. Each terminal block maintains a consistent internal structure, but the overall connector's terminal count and height vary based on how many blocks are stacked, enabling customization without increasing individual block complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple terminal blocks are stacked in a nested arrangement along the first direction, with each block containing terminals arranged in a matrix pattern. This nesting approach allows the connector to achieve different terminal counts and heights by varying the number of stacked blocks, similar to nested dolls of different sizes.
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 configuration allows for adjustable height and terminal count, enhancing compatibility with various CPUs by creating an inserting space that accommodates different mating requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The first terminal extends along a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. The first terminal has a deflectable contacting arm and a connecting foot, and the deflectable contacting arm of the first terminal block and the deflectable contacting arm of the second terminal block bend in a face to face style to form an inserting space in the first direction.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector comprises a plurality of first terminal blocks and a plurality of second terminal blocks stacked together along a first direction. The first terminal block and the second terminal block are stacked one by one. Each of the first terminal block and the second terminal block has a first insulative plate and a plurality of first terminals fixed in the first insulative plate. The first terminals are arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first terminal extends along a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. The first terminal has a deflectable contacting arm and a connecting foot, and the deflectable contacting arm of the first terminal block and the deflectable contacting arm of the second terminal block bend in a face to face style to form an inserting space in the first direction.