Through Board Inverted Connector for LED Light Emission
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface-mounted electrical connectors have a high profile that obstructs light emission in LED devices and are not suitable for densely packed electronic components, necessitating a connector with a smaller height profile.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly with a housing and contact that protrudes through a substrate from both sides, allowing for a low profile design by positioning the mating interface either flush or recessed within the substrate, thereby minimizing the height above the substrate and avoiding obstruction of light emission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional surface-mounted connectors are used, then electrical connection functionality is achieved, but the connector height profile becomes too large and obstructs light emission from LEDs
Solution Approach 1:
The connector housing is inverted to extend downward through the circuit board rather than upward from it. This inversion allows the mating interface to be positioned at or below the circuit board surface, eliminating the height profile problem that obstructs LED light emission while maintaining electrical connection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design transitions from a vertical profile extending above the circuit board to a horizontal profile extending through the board thickness. By changing the primary dimension of connector extension from vertical (above board) to horizontal (through board), the solution eliminates interference with LED light emission above the board surface.
2Productivity
If traditional connectors protruding from the circuit board are used, then electrical connections are established, but the connector height interferes with densely packed electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the connector housing to extend downward through the circuit board instead of upward, the design eliminates vertical space conflicts that would prevent dense component packing. The mating interface positioned at or below the board surface allows components to be placed in the previously occupied vertical space.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector extends in the horizontal dimension through the board thickness rather than occupying vertical space above the board. This dimensional reconfiguration enables increased component density by freeing up the vertical space above the circuit board for other electronic components.
3Length of stationary object
If the connector housing extends through the substrate, then the profile height is reduced, but the housing protrudes from both sides of the substrate requiring dual-sided mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The connector housing integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural support, establishes electrical connections through the substrate, and positions the mating interface. This merging of functions into one inverted housing structure simplifies the overall assembly despite the through-substrate configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The inverted connector housing serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as the connector body, provides the mounting structure for electrical contacts, defines the mating interface location, and anchors the assembly to the substrate. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the mounting process.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly includes a housing and a contact. The housing extends from a front end to an opposite back end. The housing includes an interior chamber inwardly extending from the front end that is configured to receive a mating connector through the front end of the housing. The contact is joined with the housing and extends between a mating end and a mounting surface. The mating end is configured to engage a mating contact of the mating connector. The mounting surface is configured to be mounted to a substrate to electrically couple the mating connector with the substrate. The housing extends through an opening in the substrate such that the housing protrudes from opposite sides of the substrate.