Zero Insertion Force Electrical Connector Terminal Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors with zero insertion force designs result in a non-dense terminal arrangement due to the distance maintained between adjacent terminals, which contradicts the trend of increasing terminal density.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector features a design where the guide portions have a greater gap than the clamping portions, allowing the insertion portion to be guided and clamped such that a portion protrudes forward, overlapping with the adjacent terminal, thereby reducing the front-rear distance between terminals and achieving a denser arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pin maintains a certain distance from the base of an adjacent front electrical connector terminal, then the pin can be properly guided and clamped, but the distance between adjacent electrical connector terminals in the front-rear direction becomes large, resulting in sparse terminal arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows the insertion portion to extend into the accommodating space of the adjacent front terminal in the front-rear direction, utilizing the vertical space above the base to reduce the horizontal distance between terminals. This dimensional rearrangement enables denser terminal arrangement while maintaining proper clamping function.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion portion is nested into the accommodating space of the adjacent front terminal, with the lower portion of the insertion portion being received in the space above the base of the front terminal. This nesting arrangement allows terminals to be positioned closer together while maintaining functional integrity.
2Ease of operation
If the guide portions have a larger gap than the clamping portions, then the insertion portion can be easily guided in, but the terminal structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal structure transitions from a static uniform gap design to a dynamic variable gap design, where the gap between guide portions is larger than the gap between clamping portions. This dynamic structure adapts to different stages of insertion: larger gap for easy guidance, smaller gap for secure clamping.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector and an electrical connector assembly are provided. The electrical connector assembly includes: a mating assembly including a support plate and multiple insertion portions provided on the support plate and protruding downward out of the support plate; and an electrical connector. The electrical connector includes: a substrate, provided with multiple accommodating holes running through the substrate vertically; and multiple terminals accommodated in the accommodating holes. Each terminal has a base and two clamping portions configured to clamp a corresponding insertion portion. The two clamping portions are located in front of the base. A top end of the base is lower than top ends of the two clamping portions. When the two clamping portions jointly clamp the corresponding insertion portion, a portion of the corresponding insertion portion lower than the top ends of the clamping portions is located right above the base of an adjacent terminal.