Array connector with deflectable coupling structure for mating with other components
AssigneeSiliconPipe, Inc.
InventorsBelgacem Haba, Para Segaram, Joseph C. Fjelstad
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A connector is described which uses a coupling structure integrally formed from a plurality of discrete elements that are aligned to receive an insertion force. In response to the insertion force affecting some or all of the elements, the affected elements move from an original state into a deflected state. In the deflected state, the overall thickness of the coupling structure is reduced. The relationship between the coupling structure and a dimension of a cavity that is to be occupied by the coupling structure is such that when the thickness of the coupling structure is reduced, the dimension of the cavity is increased.
Claims10
A connector comprising:
- a structure defining a cavity;
- one or more electrical contact elements provided on the structure;
- and
- a coupling structure formed from a matrix material comprising a plurality of discrete elements, the plurality of discrete elements being aligned to receive an insertion force for inserting a mating component into the interior cavity, wherein the plurality of discrete elements are structured so that the insertion force is distributed substantially uniformly amongst multiple discrete elements in the plurality of discrete elements that are part of a portion of the coupling structure that is affected by the insertion force, the discrete elements in the portion being forced from an original state into a biased state, wherein when the elements are in the biased state, a thickness of the coupling structure is reduced;
- and
- wherein a dimension of the cavity is proportional to the thickness of the coupling structure, so that the dimension of the cavity is increased when the thickness of the coupling structure is reduced.
A connector assembly comprising:
- a connector comprising a mating section upon which a first plurality of contact elements are distributed;
- a component comprising a cavity for receiving the mating section, and the component having a second plurality of contact elements;
- a coupling structure disposed on a surface of at least one of the mating section and the cavity, the coupling structure being formed from a matrix material comprising a plurality of discrete elements, the plurality of discrete elements being aligned to be affected by an insertion force for inserting the component into the cavity, wherein the plurality of discrete elements are structured so that the insertion force is distributed substantially uniformly amongst multiple elements in the plurality of discrete elements that are part of a portion of the coupling structure that is affected by the insertion force, the discrete elements in the portion being forced from an original state into a biased state, wherein when the discrete elements are in the biased state, a thickness of the coupling structure is reduced;
- and
- wherein a dimension of the cavity with respect to a size of the mating section is proportional to the thickness of the coupling structure, so that the dimension of the cavity accommodates the mating section only after the thickness of the coupling structure is reduced.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.