Telescoping Alignment Member for Connector Stubbing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing guideposts and guidepost receptacles have limited reach, restricting the proper alignment of daughtercard and backplane connectors, which can lead to contact stubbing and damage.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of telescoping alignment members with springs that compress or collapse upon mating, allowing for extended reach and precise alignment of electrical components by maintaining an extended position until a force is applied, thereby preventing stubbing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If guideposts are made longer to extend reach, then alignment capability is improved, but the guideposts cannot be positioned in openings of the guidepost receptacles during mating
Solution Approach 1:
The guidepost is designed with a telescoping structure that allows it to dynamically change length. During normal operation, the guidepost extends to provide long-reach alignment capability. During mating operations, the guidepost can be compressed to fit within the receptacle openings, enabling proper insertion and connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping guidepost employs a nested structure where one cylindrical section is inserted within another. This nested design allows the guidepost to compact into a smaller form factor for mating operations while maintaining an extended configuration for alignment functions, effectively solving the contradiction between length and operability.
2Ease of operation
If guideposts are made resilient with springs to allow compression, then ease of mating is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The guidepost incorporates spring elements that change the mechanical parameters of the structure. The springs allow the guidepost to transition between extended and compressed states, providing resilience during mating operations. This parameter change enables the guidepost to adapt its stiffness and length based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The guidepost structure is segmented into multiple functional sections: the base section, the telescoping sections, and the spring elements. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together as an integrated system, managing complexity through modular design.
3Measurement precision
If telescoping alignment members are used to extend reach, then alignment precision over distance is improved, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping alignment member uses dynamic extension and retraction to maintain precise alignment over varying distances. The mechanism can extend to reach connectors that are farther apart while maintaining the same alignment precision as a fixed-length guidepost, adapting to different installation configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping alignment member serves multiple functions: it provides alignment precision for both short and long distances, accommodates different receptacle configurations, and enables both extended-reach alignment and compact storage. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple different alignment devices.
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 enables proper alignment of daughtercard and backplane connectors over a greater distance, minimizing contact stubbing and damage, while allowing for easy disassembly by returning to the extended position when not in use.
Implementation Method 1
A spring positioned in the first spring receiving cavity of the base and in the second spring receiving cavity of the telescoping portion. The spring has a length which is approximately equal to or slightly larger than the length of a cavity formed by the spring receiving cavity and the base receiving cavity when the alignment member is in an extended position. Prior to mating with a mating alignment member, the spring is retained in a biased position to keep the telescoping portion extended until a force is applied to the telescoping portion by the mating alignment member.
Data Source
AI summary
An alignment member for aligning electrical components. The alignment member includes a base, a telescoping portion and a spring. The base has a first spring receiving cavity which extends from a first end of the base to a spring engaging shoulder. The telescoping portion has a second spring receiving cavity with a spring cooperating surface. The spring is positioned in the first spring receiving cavity of the base and in the second spring receiving cavity of the telescoping portion. The spring has a length which is approximately equal to or slightly larger than the length of a cavity formed by the spring receiving cavity and the base receiving cavity when the alignment member is in an extended position. The spring is retained in a biased position to keep the telescoping portion extended until a force is applied to the telescoping portion by the mating alignment member.