US5938451A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electrical connector with multiple modes of compliance
Assignee: R&D Sockets Inc
•
Filing: 1997-05-06
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Granted: 1999-08-17
•
Expires: 2017-05-06
Abstract
Abstract A solderless connector with multiple modes of compliance providing an initial insertion force differing from the secondary insertion force. The connector has multiple compliant members that can be independently adjusted to accommodate a wide range of circuit members. The connector allows the contact members to be arranged with a fine pitch without shorting. The multiple compliant members accommodate a wide range of thermal and vibrational effects, and can be configured to accommodate a wide range of compression distances. An electrically insulative connector housing is positioned substantially between the first and second circuit members. A resilient contact member is positioned generally within the connector housing. The contact member has resilient first and second circuit interface portions. The resilient contact member comprises a first compliant member. At least one end stop is provided for engaging with the contact member in a second mode of compliance. A resilient, dielectric encapsulating material surrounds a portion of the resilient contact member. The encapsulating material comprises a second compliant member, such that the first and second compliant members are capable of providing a first mode of compliance. In an alternate embodiment, resilient material may be located adjacent to a rigid contact member.
Inventors
- 👤 James J. Rathburn
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 11:26
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01R; H01R13/00; H01R13/02; H01R13/22; H01R13/24; H01R13/2435; H01R12/00; H01R12/70; H01R12/71; H01R12/712; H01R12/714; H01R13/2407; H01R13/2414; H05; H05K; H05K7/00; H05K7/02; H05K7/10; H05K7/1053; H05K7/1061; H05K7/1069
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 40
Claim 1
Independent Claim
150 words
A connector apparatus for electrically connecting first and second circuit members, each circuit member having first and second operative surfaces with connector members, respectively, comprising: an electrically insulative connector housing adapted to be positioned substantially between the first and second circuit members; a resilient contact member positioned generally within the connector housing having resilient first and second circuit interface portions, the resilient contact member comprising a first compliant member; a resilient, dielectric encapsulating material surrounding a portion of the resilient contact member comprising a second compliant member, whereby the first and second compliant members are capable of providing a first mode of compliance when the contact member is displaced by a circuit member; and at least one end stop against which a portion of the second complaint material is at least partially compressed to provide a flexural point where the contact member elastically deforms in a second mode of compliance.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
150 words
A connector apparatus for electrically connecting first and second circuit members, each circuit member having first and second operative surfaces with connector members, respectively, comprising: an electrically insulative connector housing adapted to be positioned substantially between the first and second circuit members; a resilient contact member positioned generally within the connector housing having resilient first and second circuit interface portions, the resilient contact member comprising a first compliant member; a resilient, dielectric encapsulating material surrounding a portion of the resilient contact member comprising a second compliant member, whereby the first and second compliant members are capable of providing a first mode of compliance when the contact member is displaced by a circuit member; and at least one end stop against which a portion of the second complaint material is at least partially compressed to provide a flexural point where the contact member elastically deforms in a second mode of compliance.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein elastic deformation of the contact member and resilient encapsulating material comprises the first mode of compliance.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein elastic deformation of the contact member comprises the second mode of compliance.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein engagement of the contact member at the flexural point initiates the second mode of compliance.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least one support member supporting the contact member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the support member comprises a pivot point around which the contact member rotates.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the support member comprises a flexible filament capable of permitting translational movement of the contact member.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of contact members.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 1 comprising an opening in the housing extending between first and second surfaces for receiving the resilient contact member.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first circuit interface portion of the resilient contact member extends above a first surface of the housing.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first circuit interface portion of the resilient contact member extends below a first surface of the housing.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second circuit interface portion of the resilient contact member extends above a second surface of the housing.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second mode of compliance proximate the first circuit interface portion is generally equal to the second mode of compliance proximate the second circuit interface portion.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second mode of compliance proximate the first circuit interface portion requires a greater insertion force than the second mode of compliance proximate the second circuit interface portion.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first and second modes of compliance are within the elastic limits of the contact member.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the connector comprises an initial insertion force and a secondary insertion force with the circuit member.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the initial insertion force is less than the secondary insertion force.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 1 comprising first and second end stops on the housing defining flexural points where the second mode of compliance is initiated.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the resilient contact member comprises a curvilinear shape.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first circuit interface portion comprises a shape complementary to a shape of the connector member.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first circuit interface portion comprises a convex shape.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the convex shape is off-set from a first distal end of the contact member.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 1 herein the resilient contact member comprises a piece of a conductive sheet material.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1 herein the resilient contact member comprises a piece of wire.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first and second circuit interface portions provides a wiping engagement with an opposing connector member.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the connector comprises a configuration capable of maintaining the first operative surface parallel to the second operative surface.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the connector comprises a configuration capable of maintaining the first operative surface at a fixed angle relative to the second operative surface.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first circuit member comprises a printed circuit board.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first circuit member comprises an integrated circuit device.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
52 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first circuit interface portion is capable of engaging with a connector member selected from the group consisting of a card edge, a j-lead device, a land grid array, a pin grid array, a flex circuit, a ribbon connector, a cable, and a ball grid array.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a template having a plurality of slots for maintaining spacing between a plurality of contact members.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the housing further comprises an alignment mechanism for aligning the first and second circuit interface portions with the connector members on the first and second circuit members.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first circuit interface portion comprises a cup-shape configured to engage with the connector member of a circuit member.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the second mode of compliance is determined by a geometry of the first contact member.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the second mode of compliance is determined by a thickness of the first contact member.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the contact member comprises at least one bend so that the first circuit interface portion is off-set from a distal end thereof.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the end stop comprises a flat surface on the housing.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
152 words
A connector apparatus for electrically connecting first and second circuit members, each circuit member having first and second operative surfaces with connector members, respectively, comprising: an electrically insulative connector housing adapted to be positioned substantially between the first and second circuit members; a resilient contact member positioned generally within the connector housing having resilient first and second circuit interface portions, the resilient contact member comprising a first compliant member; a resilient, dielectric encapsulating material surrounding a portion of the resilient contact member comprising a second compliant member, whereby the first and second compliant members are capable of providing a first mode of compliance when the contact member is displaced by a circuit member; and at least one surface on the housing against which a portion of the second complaint material is at least partially compressed to provide a flexural point where the contact member elastically deforms in a second mode of compliance.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
152 words
A connector apparatus for electrically connecting first and second circuit members, each circuit member having first and second operative surfaces with connector members, respectively, comprising: an electrically insulative connector housing adapted to be positioned substantially between the first and second circuit members; a resilient contact member positioned generally within the connector housing having resilient first and second circuit interface portions, the resilient contact member comprising a first compliant member; a resilient, dielectric encapsulating material surrounding a portion of the resilient contact member comprising a second compliant member, whereby the first and second compliant members are capable of providing a first mode of compliance when the contact member is displaced by a circuit member; and at least one surface on the housing against which a portion of the second complaint material is at least partially compressed to provide a flexural point where the contact member elastically deforms in a second mode of compliance.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-08-16 | 2003-02-15 | 2003-08-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-08-16 | 2007-02-15 | 2007-08-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-08-16 | 2011-02-15 | 2011-08-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |