Surface-Mount Card Edge Connector for Two-Sided PCB Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional card edge connectors with tab locks or fork locks require corresponding through-holes in the circuit board, limiting space utilization and complicating the mounting process, which restricts the layout design and increases development costs due to restricted positioning and difficulty in reworking the connectors.
Innovation Solution
A card edge connector design featuring a housing with conductive elements and board locks that can be mounted on opposite sides of a circuit board, using asymmetric positioning posts and surface mount technology, allowing for compact systems without the need for through-holes, enabling easier alignment and reworking of connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If card edge connectors use tab locks or fork locks requiring through-holes, then the connector can be securely mounted to the circuit board, but the space utilization is limited and the mounting process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed to be mounted on the surface of the circuit board rather than requiring through-holes, transitioning from a through-hole mounting approach to a surface-mount approach that utilizes the board surface area effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into separate components including a housing, board lock, and conductive elements, allowing independent optimization of each component's function and mounting characteristics
2Strength
If card edge connectors require through-holes for mounting, then secure attachment is achieved, but the layout design is restricted and development costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical through-hole attachment system is replaced with a surface-mount board lock mechanism that provides secure attachment without requiring holes through the circuit board
Solution Approach 2:
The board lock design provides multiple functions including positioning, securing, and alignment of the connector to the circuit board, replacing what would otherwise require multiple separate features
3Reliability
If card edge connectors are mounted using conventional through-hole methods, then reliable connection is achieved, but reworking becomes difficult and development time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The surface-mount board lock design allows the connector to be easily removed and repositioned by the user or technician without requiring specialized through-hole repair equipment or complex procedures
Data Source
AI summary
Surface mount card edge connectors and compact systems using such connectors are provided. A connector has a housing holding conductive elements with a mating face and a mounting face configured to face a side surface of a board. Each conductive element comprises a mating contact portion and a mounting tail extending beyond the mounting face and having an end surface configured to be mounted to a surface pad on a surface of the board. The connector has one or more board locks. Each board lock has a body portion disposed in the housing and a mounting portion having an end surface parallel to the end surfaces of the mounting tails of the conductive elements. Such a configuration enables connectors mounted to opposite sides of a board to be aligned such that a system with these connectors may be more compact.