Low Profile Wire to Board Connector Spring Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wire to board connectors are prone to unintentional unmating, especially when pressure is applied to wires or cables, leading to unreliable connections and potential disconnection issues.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a spring force mechanism and locking tabs to secure the receptacle connector to the plug connector, utilizing a compliant portion to apply a securing force opposite the insertion direction and engaging features to prevent upward or rearward removal, ensuring stable connection even under external pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If wire to board connectors are designed with simple structure, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but connection reliability deteriorates due to unintentional unmating under pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates a spring mechanism that provides dynamic force to maintain continuous contact pressure between mating connectors. The spring automatically adjusts to maintain reliable electrical connection despite external pressures or tolerances, preventing unintentional unmating while keeping the structure relatively simple and cost-effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The design includes preliminary anti-action through pre-compressed springs that apply force in advance to counteract any separating forces. The spring is pre-loaded during assembly to exert continuous contact force, proactively preventing disconnection before it can occur under external pressure or vibration.
2Length of stationary object
If connector height is reduced to achieve compact form factor, then device size is reduced, but structural complexity increases to maintain connection stability
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design nests the spring mechanism within the housing structure, integrating multiple functions into a compact arrangement. The spring is positioned within the housing to engage with the mating connector, allowing the force application mechanism to be contained within the minimal height envelope without requiring external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from vertical height to horizontal engagement features. Instead of increasing height for stability, the connector uses lateral locking features and offset engagement points that provide mechanical stability in the horizontal plane, allowing low-profile construction while maintaining connection reliability.
3Reliability
If spring force is applied to secure connectors, then connection reliability is improved, but force requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring applies partial force continuously rather than requiring excessive force only during mating. The pre-compressed spring maintains a moderate continuous contact force that is sufficient to prevent unintentional unmating under normal operating conditions, reducing the overall force requirements compared to designs needing high peak forces.
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 effectively reduces the risk of unintentional unmating, maintaining a reliable electrical connection and maintaining a compact form factor with a height of 1 mm or less, suitable for small electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
applying a spring force to the cable connector in a second direction at least partially opposite the first direction
Implementation Method 2
locking tabs to secure the receptacle connector to the plug connector, utilizing a compliant portion to apply a securing force
Data Source
AI summary
A low profile wire to board connector with features that enable a height of 1 mm or less, yet sufficient robustness to preclude unintentional separation of mated connectors. A board connector, with a mounting interface configured for surface mount soldering to a PCB, may include a recess for receiving a complementary connector terminating multiple wires. The board connector may have blade-shaped terminals, which may be soldered to the PCB at two ends, with an intermediate portion engaging a portion of the board connector housing, so as to secure the housing to the PCB. The complementary connector may be inserted at an acute angle with the mounting interface, engaging a front portion of the mating connector to a front portion of the board connector. The rear of the complementary connector may then be rotated into the recess and secured near the rear.