Indexable electrical connector alignment system
OwnerHung Ngoinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Indexable electrical connector alignment systems for backplane, coplanar, etc., connections are disclosed. The alignment systems include indexable pin and socket modules. A pin is removably received in a pin module and can be removed, rotated, and re-secured in the pin module to correspond to a socket orientation. A socket likewise is removably received in a socket module and can be removed, rotated, and re-secured to correspond to a pin orientation. The socket and pin modules disclosed may additionally have the same substrate footprint such that a substrate disposed to receive a socket module can alternatively receive a pin module, and vice versa.
Claims21
1-20. (canceled)
An alignment module for facilitating electrical connection of a printed circuit board, the alignment module comprising:
- a housing adapted for attachment to the printed circuit board, wherein the housing comprises a plurality of key slots, wherein each key slot is disposed to receive a key of an alignment element in one of a plurality of selectable positions.
An alignment module for facilitating electrical connection of a printed circuit board, the alignment module comprising:
- a housing constructed of metal and adapted for attachment to the printed circuit board to receive an alignment element in one of a plurality of selectable positions, wherein the housing comprises an aperture disposed to receive at least a portion of the alignment element, and wherein the aperture comprises a shape that defines the selectable positions.
An alignment system for facilitating electrical connection of a first printed circuit board to a second printed circuit board, the alignment system comprising:
- a pin module adapted for attachment to the first printed circuit board and comprising an alignment pin removably attached in a pin housing, wherein a portion of the alignment pin protrudes from the pin housing;
- and
- a socket module constructed of metal adapted for attachment to the second printed circuit board and comprising a socket insert removably attached in a socket housing, wherein the socket module is disposed to receive the portion of the alignment pin protruding from the pin housing.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.