Thin Connector With Oblique Spring Portions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional substrate-to-substrate connectors have a long length in the direction orthogonal to the arrangement of contacts, which is inefficient and requires additional space for sliding, leading to increased size and potential deformation issues.
Innovation Solution
A thin connector design featuring first and second flat plate connectors with obliquely extending spring portions and corresponding contact portions, allowing for sliding in the same direction as the contact array, eliminating the need for orthogonal sliding and reducing the connector's length in that direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the plug is slid relatively to the receptacle in the direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of contacts, then the contacts can be fitted together, but the connector has a long length in the orthogonal direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional sliding direction from orthogonal to the contact arrangement direction to parallel with the contact arrangement direction. This allows the plug and receptacle to be fitted together by sliding in the same direction that the contacts are arranged, thereby reducing the connector length in the orthogonal direction while maintaining proper contact engagement.
2Reliability
If the spring portion extends in a direction orthogonal to the contact arrangement, then contact stability is achieved, but the connector length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric design where the spring portion extends in a direction that is oblique to both the contact arrangement direction and the sliding direction. This asymmetric orientation allows the spring to provide adequate contact stability and elastic engagement while minimizing the connector length in the orthogonal direction, as the spring's projection in the orthogonal direction is reduced compared to a purely orthogonal extension.
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 design reduces the connector's length in the orthogonal direction, enhances contact stability by using overlapping spring portions, and maintains electrical connection through elastic deformation, thus addressing the inefficiencies of conventional connectors.
Implementation Method 1
each of the plurality of first contacts has a spring portion which extends in a direction obliquely crossing the direction in which the plurality of first contacts are arrayed
Data Source
AI summary
A thin connector comprises a first connector having a flat plate shape and a second connector having a flat plate shape superimposed on and fitted with each other, the first connector including first contacts arrayed in a direction, each first contact being provided with a first contact portion, the second connector including second contacts arrayed in a same direction as the direction in which the first contacts are arrayed, each second contact being provided with a second contact portion, each first contact having a spring portion which extends in a direction obliquely crossing the direction in which the first contacts are arrayed and on which the first contact portion is formed.