Thin Connector Slidably Superimposed for Narrow Pitch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional substrate-to-substrate connectors face limitations in reducing the arrangement pitch of receptacle contacts due to the need for space to accommodate protruding plug contacts and elastic deformation, restricting design freedom and increasing size dimensions.

Innovation Solution

A thin connector design featuring flat plate-shaped connectors with spring portions and projection elements, allowing for sliding contact without the need for dedicated space for plug projections, enabling narrower pitch arrangements and adjustable contact force through varying spring widths and taper angles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the receptacle contact is designed with an opening portion to receive the plug contact and space for elastic deformation, then the connector can achieve reliable electrical connection and mechanical fitting, but the arrangement pitch of the receptacle contacts cannot be narrowed and the connector size cannot be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidarrangement pitch of receptacle contacts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from a conventional design where the plug contact protrudes into the receptacle contact's opening portion (requiring space in the planar dimension) to a design where the contact surfaces meet at the same level (eliminating the need for depth space). This dimensional change allows the contact portions to be arranged more closely in the planar dimension, narrowing the arrangement pitch while maintaining reliable electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of having the plug contact protrude into the receptacle contact's opening (conventional approach), the invention inverts this relationship by having the receptacle contact's contact portion extend to meet the plug contact at the same level. This inversion eliminates the need for the opening portion and internal space, allowing for compact arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the receptacle contact is designed with an opening portion and spring characteristics, then the connector can achieve elastic deformation to accommodate movement, but the processing dimension and design freedom are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelastic deformation capabilityVSAvoiddesign freedom

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the geometric parameters of the contact portions, specifically making them extend to the same level rather than having one protrude into the other. This parameter change simplifies the structural design, allowing for greater design freedom in creating spring characteristics and elastic deformation capabilities without being constrained by the need to form opening portions and accommodate protrusions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the plug contact protrudes into the receptacle contact's opening portion, then electrical connection can be achieved, but the connector width and processing dimensions are increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidconnector width

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the protruding portion of the plug contact that would otherwise extend into the receptacle contact's opening. By making the contact surfaces meet at the same level, the protrusion is eliminated, thereby reducing the connector width and processing dimensions while maintaining electrical connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 enhances design freedom and reduces size by eliminating the requirement for space to receive plug projections, allowing for more compact and adjustable connectors with stable spring characteristics.

Implementation Method 1

each of the plurality of first contacts having a spring portion composed of a first metal member in a flat plate shape extending in a plane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a first contact portion formed on a side surface of the projection portion... the second contact portion of each of the plurality of second contacts in the second connector comes in contact with the first contact portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction contact: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS9281587B2Thin connector having a first connector slidably superimposed on a second connector

Publication Date: 2016.03.08 JAPAN AVIATION ELECTRONICS IND LTD

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 having a spring portion composed of a first metal member in a flat plate shape, a projection portion formed on the spring portion so as to protrude in a perpendicular direction to the plane of the first metal member, and a first contact portion formed on a side surface of the projection 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 composed of a second metal member in a flat plate shape and having a second contact portion formed on a side surface of the second metal member.