Spring probe-compliant pin connector
AssigneeRaytheon Company
InventorQuach Duke
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Provided is an electrical connector for interconnecting electrical components such as a printed wiring assembly to one or more additional printed wiring assemblies. The connector includes a housing containing one or more compliant pins, one or more spring probes, and an interconnect for mechanically and electrically interfacing the pins with the probes. An alignment pin mounted in the housing helps to ensure alignment between one end of the connector and a corresponding PWA. In use, the compliant pins are inserted through a conformal coating and into vias in a first PWA, while the spring probes contact connector pads on a second PWA. Multiple connectors may be used to interconnect the two PWA, depending on PWA design.
Claims22
An electrical connector comprising:
- means for transferring an electrical signal between a housing and an electrically conductive pad on a first member;
- means for conveying the electrical signal between the housing and an electrically conductive via in a second member;
- means, disposed within the housing, for interconnecting the means for transferring and the means for conveying, to facilitate the communication of the electrical signal between the first member and the second member;
- means for aligning the connector with the first member;
- and
- means for sealing the means for transferring and for stabilizing an interface between the housing and the first member.
An electrical connector comprising;
- a housing;
- at least one spring probe positioned in the housing for interfacing with at least one electrically conductive pad on a first member;
- at least one compliant pin, positioned in the housing and in electrical communication with the at least one spring probe, for interfacing with at least one electrically conductive via in a second member
- an alignment pin integral to the housing;
- and
- a gasket positioned to seal the at least one spring probe and to stabilize an interface between the housing and the first member.
In an improved printed wiring architecture including a first printed wiring assembly, a second printed wiring assembly, and an electrical connector interconnecting the first printed wiring assembly and the second printed wiring assembly, the improvement comprising;
- at least one spring probe positioned in the electrical connector for interfacing with at least one connector pad on the first printed wiring assembly;
- and
- at least one compliant pin positioned in the electrical connector, in electrical communication with the at least one spring probe, for interfacing with at least one via in the second printed wiring assembly.
A method of manufacturing an electrical connector, comprising:
- selecting a connector housing;
- modifying at least one spring probe to include an interconnect device;
- positioning the at least one spring probe in the connector housing;
- mechanically interfacing one end of a compliant pin with the interconnect device;
- attaching a gasket to the connecting housing;
- and
- verifying electrical connectivity between the at least one spring probe and the compliant pin.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.