ZIF Connector Guiding Device for IC Pin Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) electrical connectors face issues with improper positioning of IC pins, leading to potential damage and unreliable electrical connections due to the need for precise alignment, which is not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector assembly incorporates a guiding device on both the chip module and the connector, with the guiding devices having different heights, allowing for accurate and damage-free insertion of the IC pins by engaging the guiding walls before the pins contact the conductive contacts, ensuring proper alignment and preventing damage during insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional ZIF connectors use through holes in the cover for positioning IC pins, then the IC can be inserted into the connector, but improper positioning of the pins may occur leading to damage and unreliable electrical connections
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding device is designed to engage with the IC package body before the IC pins contact the conductive contacts during insertion. This preliminary engagement establishes proper positioning and alignment in advance, ensuring that the pins follow the correct insertion path and contact the contacts at the proper position, thereby preventing improper positioning and damage
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding device acts as an intermediary element between the IC package and the connector base. It mediates the insertion process by providing a guiding surface that the package body contacts first, translating the insertion motion into proper alignment before the pins reach the contacts, thus ensuring reliable electrical connection
2Reliability
If the cover is moved from open to closed position to establish electrical connection, then the IC can be electrically connected with the PCB, but the pins may be damaged during the process if not properly positioned
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding device provides preliminary anti-action by opposing and controlling the insertion motion before the pins contact the conductive contacts. The guiding surface prevents misalignment and improper positioning during the cover closing process, counteracting the harmful effects that would otherwise cause pin damage or unreliable connections
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector assembly includes a connector comprising a base with a plurality of passageways receiving a plurality of conductive contacts, a cover mounted on the base, the cover defining a plurality of through holes corresponding to the passageways, and an actuator for driving the cover to move from an open position to a closed position; a chip module mounted on the connector and including an abutting surface resting on the cover and a plurality of pins extending from the abutting surface. A first guiding device is defined on the chip module and a second guiding device is defined on the connector for engaging with the first guiding device along an engaging direction, and a length of the two guiding devices along the engaging direction is longer than that of the pins, and wherein the module is provided with a first guider and the connector is provided with a second guider, and the two guiders have different heights in the engaging direction.