Variable Spring Constant Contact for Socket Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sockets for computer circuits are prone to damage due to the insertion and extraction of daughter boards or cards, which can wear out the contacts, leading to non-functional sockets and connectors.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates latch arms with locking features to secure cards in place and contacts with varying spring constants for insertion and extraction, preventing damage by providing a lower spring constant for easier insertion and a higher spring constant for protection during extraction, along with a lever arm mechanism to manage forces effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the contact stiffness is increased to protect contacts from damage during extraction, then contact durability is improved, but insertion force increases making insertion difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The contact structure transitions from a static uniform spring constant design to a dynamic variable spring constant design. The contact includes a first portion and a second portion with different spring constants, allowing the stiffness to vary along its length. This enables the contact to be softer at the insertion point (reducing insertion force) and stiffer at the extraction point (protecting from damage), thus resolving the contradiction between ease of insertion and contact protection.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the contact are assigned different mechanical properties (spring constants) based on their specific functional requirements. The first portion has a lower spring constant optimized for insertion, while the second portion has a higher spring constant optimized for extraction protection. This local differentiation of properties allows each section to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
2Ease of operation
If cards are inserted at an angle orthogonal to the board, then ease of insertion and space efficiency are improved, but contact damage risk increases during extraction
Solution Approach 1:
The contact's variable spring constant design allows it to dynamically adapt to different operational phases. During insertion at an angle, the lower spring constant portion absorbs impact and reduces stress on the contact. During extraction, the higher spring constant portion provides the necessary resistance to prevent contact damage, thus enabling angled insertion while protecting contact durability.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple sockets are placed adjacent to each other, then space utilization is improved, but card rotation is interfered with by adjacent socket latch arms
Solution Approach 1:
The latch arms of adjacent sockets are designed with asymmetric positioning and different angular ranges of motion. The latch arm of one socket is positioned and configured such that its movement path does not intersect with the card rotation path of an adjacent socket. This asymmetric arrangement allows multiple sockets to be placed close together while each card can rotate freely into its socket without interference from neighboring latch arms.
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 solution enhances the durability of sockets and connectors, reducing the risk of damage during card insertion and extraction while maintaining a secure electrical connection, and can be applied to various types of devices and standards.
Implementation Method 1
The contacts may be arranged to have a lower, first spring constant during an insertion of a card to reduce the necessary insertion force. The contacts may further have a second, higher spring constant during an extraction of the card to prevent the contacts from being bent or otherwise damaged.
Data Source
AI summary
Sockets that have a simplified design and are readily manufactured, and also provide easy access for users to change cards while allowing the use of thinner device enclosures.