US6969261B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electrical connector
Assignee: Hewlett Packard Development Co LP
•
Filing: 2003-08-01
•
Granted: 2005-11-29
•
Expires: 2023-08-01
Abstract
Abstract An electrical connector assembly for electrically coupling two components, such as two circuit boards, comprises a socket coupled to a first component and a blade coupled to a second component. The socket includes at least a first and a second conductive engagement member arranged on opposite sides of a spatial gap. The blade includes at least a first and a second conductive pad arranged on opposite sides of an insulator. The blade has a width complementary to the socket's spatial gap such that when inserted into the spatial gap the blade's first conductive pad forms an electrical contact with the socket's first conductive engagement member and the blade's second conductive pad forms an electrical contact with the socket's second conductive engagement member. The blade comprises first and second connector mechanisms that are arranged off-set from each other for electrically coupling the first and second conductive pads, respectively, to the second component.
Inventors
- 👤 Shaun L. Harris
- 👤 Gary Williams
- 👤 Paul Wirtzberger
- 👤 Eric Peterson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 12:58
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01R; H01R12/00; H01R12/70; H01R12/7088; H01R12/71; H01R12/72; H01R12/721; H01R13/00; H01R13/02; H01R13/26
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 30
Claim 1
Independent Claim
264 words
An electrical connector assembly for electrically coupling two components, said electrical connector assembly comprising: a socket coupled to a first component, said socket having at least one segment that includes at least a first conductive engagement member arranged on a first side of a spatial gap and at least a second conductive engagement member arranged on an opposite side of said spatial gap, said second conductive engagement member being electrically isolated from said first conductive engagement member; and a blade coupled to a second component, said blade having at least one segment that includes at least a first conductive pad arranged on a first side of an insulator and at least a second conductive pad arranged on an opposite side of said insulator, wherein said second conductive pad is arranged directly opposite said first conductive pad, and said blade having a width complementary to the spatial gap of said socket such that when said blade is inserted into said spatial gap said first conductive pad of said blade forms an electrical contact with said first conductive engagement member of said socket and said second conductive pad of said blade forms an electrical contact with said second conductive engagement member of said socket, wherein said first and second conductive pads of said blade are electrically isolated from each other, and wherein said blade comprises first connector mechanisms for electrically coupling said first conductive pad to said second component and second connector mechanisms for electrically coupling said second conductive pad to said second component, wherein said first and second connector mechanisms are off-set from each other.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
264 words
An electrical connector assembly for electrically coupling two components, said electrical connector assembly comprising: a socket coupled to a first component, said socket having at least one segment that includes at least a first conductive engagement member arranged on a first side of a spatial gap and at least a second conductive engagement member arranged on an opposite side of said spatial gap, said second conductive engagement member being electrically isolated from said first conductive engagement member; and a blade coupled to a second component, said blade having at least one segment that includes at least a first conductive pad arranged on a first side of an insulator and at least a second conductive pad arranged on an opposite side of said insulator, wherein said second conductive pad is arranged directly opposite said first conductive pad, and said blade having a width complementary to the spatial gap of said socket such that when said blade is inserted into said spatial gap said first conductive pad of said blade forms an electrical contact with said first conductive engagement member of said socket and said second conductive pad of said blade forms an electrical contact with said second conductive engagement member of said socket, wherein said first and second conductive pads of said blade are electrically isolated from each other, and wherein said blade comprises first connector mechanisms for electrically coupling said first conductive pad to said second component and second connector mechanisms for electrically coupling said second conductive pad to said second component, wherein said first and second connector mechanisms are off-set from each other.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
51 words
The electrical connector assembly of claim 1 wherein electrical contact is achievable between the first and second engagement members of said socket and the first and second conductive pads of said blade over a range of distances at which said first and second components may be arranged relative to each other.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
51 words
The electrical connector assembly of claim 1 wherein electrical connection is achievable between the first and second engagement members of said socket and the first and second conductive pads of said blade over a range of insertion distances by which said blade is inserted into the spatial gap of said socket.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The electrical connector assembly of claim 1 comprising a wipe of at least 60 mil.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The electrical connector assembly of claim 1 wherein said width of said blade is approximately 1.5 mm.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
90 words
The electrical connector assembly of claim 1 wherein said first connector mechanisms comprises pins on one side of said insulator that electrically couple the first conductive pad of the blade to said second component, and said second connector mechanisms comprises pins on a side of said insulator opposite said one side that electrically couple the second conductive pad of the blade to said second component, and wherein none of the pins of the first connector mechanisms are arranged directly across from any of the pins of the second connector mechanisms.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
The electrical connector assembly of claim 1 wherein said at least one segment of said socket and blade have a current rating of approximately 25 A per electrical contact.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
The electrical connector assembly of claim 1 wherein said socket and blade each have a plurality of said segments.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
35 words
The electrical connector assembly of claim 8 wherein said plurality of segments of said blade are electrically isolated from each other and said plurality of segments of said socket are electrically isolated from each other.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
The electrical connector assembly of claim 1 wherein said first and second components are circuit boards.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
54 words
The electrical connector assembly of claim 10 wherein one of said first and second components comprises a power board having a power supply for supplying power to the other of said first and second components, and wherein said power is supplied from said power board to said other component via said electrical connector assembly.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
34 words
The electrical connector assembly of claim 11 wherein said socket and said blade each comprises at least three of said segments, and wherein connector comprises a total current rating of at least 150 A.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
278 words
An electrical connector assembly of for electrically coupling two components, said electrical connector assembly comprising: a socket coupled to a first component, said socket having at least one segment that includes at least a first conductive engagement member arranged on a first side of a spatial gap and at least a second conductive engagement member arranged on an opposite side of said spatial gap, said second conductive engagement member being electrically isolated from said first conductive engagement member; and a blade coupled to a second component, said blade having at least one segment that includes at least a first conductive pad arranged on a first side of an insulator and at least a second conductive pad arranged on an opposite side of said insulator, and said blade having a width complementary to the spatial gap of said socket such that when said blade is inserted into said spatial gap said first conductive pad of said blade forms an electrical contact with said first conductive engagement member of said socket and said second conductive pad of said blade forms an electrical contact with said second conductive engagement member of said socket, wherein said first and second conductive pads of said blade are electrically isolated from each other, and wherein said blade comprises first connector mechanisms for electrically coupling said first conductive pad to said second component and second connector mechanisms for electrically coupling said second conductive pad to said second component, wherein said first and second connector mechanisms are off-set from each other; wherein said at least one segment of said socket comprises a plurality of said conductive engagement members for engaging a common conductive pad of said blade.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
278 words
An electrical connector assembly of for electrically coupling two components, said electrical connector assembly comprising: a socket coupled to a first component, said socket having at least one segment that includes at least a first conductive engagement member arranged on a first side of a spatial gap and at least a second conductive engagement member arranged on an opposite side of said spatial gap, said second conductive engagement member being electrically isolated from said first conductive engagement member; and a blade coupled to a second component, said blade having at least one segment that includes at least a first conductive pad arranged on a first side of an insulator and at least a second conductive pad arranged on an opposite side of said insulator, and said blade having a width complementary to the spatial gap of said socket such that when said blade is inserted into said spatial gap said first conductive pad of said blade forms an electrical contact with said first conductive engagement member of said socket and said second conductive pad of said blade forms an electrical contact with said second conductive engagement member of said socket, wherein said first and second conductive pads of said blade are electrically isolated from each other, and wherein said blade comprises first connector mechanisms for electrically coupling said first conductive pad to said second component and second connector mechanisms for electrically coupling said second conductive pad to said second component, wherein said first and second connector mechanisms are off-set from each other; wherein said at least one segment of said socket comprises a plurality of said conductive engagement members for engaging a common conductive pad of said blade.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
342 words
A system comprising: a power supply board; a circuit board comprising components to be powered at least partially by said power supply board; an electrical connector for electrically coupling said power supply board with said circuit board for supplying power from the power supply board to said circuit board via said electrical connector, said electrical connector comprising (a) a socket coupled to one of said power supply board and said circuit board, said socket having at least one segment that includes at least a first conductive engagement member arranged on a first side of a spatial gap and at least a second conductive engagement member arranged on an opposite side of said spatial gap, said second conductive engagement member being electrically isolated from said first conductive engagement member; and (b) a blade coupled to the other of said power supply board and said circuit board, said blade having at least one segment that includes at least a first conductive pad arranged on a first side of an insulator and at least a second conductive pad arranged on an opposite side of said insulator, and said blade having a width complementary to the spatial gap of said socket such that when said blade is inserted into said spatial gap said first conductive pad of said blade forms an electrical contact with said first conductive engagement member of said socket and said second conductive pad of said blade forms an electrical contact with said second conductive engagement member of said socket, wherein said first and second conductive pads of said blade are electrically isolated from each other; wherein said power supply board supplies electrical power to said circuit board via said electrical connector by conducting electrical signals of one polarity via said electrical contact between said first conductive engagement member of said socket and said first conductive pad of said blade and by conducting electrical signals of a polarity opposite said one polarity via said electrical contact between said second conductive engagement member of said socket and said second conductive pad of said blade.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
342 words
A system comprising: a power supply board; a circuit board comprising components to be powered at least partially by said power supply board; an electrical connector for electrically coupling said power supply board with said circuit board for supplying power from the power supply board to said circuit board via said electrical connector, said electrical connector comprising (a) a socket coupled to one of said power supply board and said circuit board, said socket having at least one segment that includes at least a first conductive engagement member arranged on a first side of a spatial gap and at least a second conductive engagement member arranged on an opposite side of said spatial gap, said second conductive engagement member being electrically isolated from said first conductive engagement member; and (b) a blade coupled to the other of said power supply board and said circuit board, said blade having at least one segment that includes at least a first conductive pad arranged on a first side of an insulator and at least a second conductive pad arranged on an opposite side of said insulator, and said blade having a width complementary to the spatial gap of said socket such that when said blade is inserted into said spatial gap said first conductive pad of said blade forms an electrical contact with said first conductive engagement member of said socket and said second conductive pad of said blade forms an electrical contact with said second conductive engagement member of said socket, wherein said first and second conductive pads of said blade are electrically isolated from each other; wherein said power supply board supplies electrical power to said circuit board via said electrical connector by conducting electrical signals of one polarity via said electrical contact between said first conductive engagement member of said socket and said first conductive pad of said blade and by conducting electrical signals of a polarity opposite said one polarity via said electrical contact between said second conductive engagement member of said socket and said second conductive pad of said blade.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
52 words
The system of claim 14 wherein electrical contact is achievable between the first and second engagement members of said socket and the first and second conductive pads of said blade over a range of distances at which said power supply board and said circuit board may be arranged relative to each other.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
49 words
The system of claim 14 wherein electrical connection is achievable between the first and second engagement members of said socket and the first and second conductive pads of said blade over a range of insertion distances by which said blade is inserted into the spatial gap of said socket.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 14 wherein said electrical connector comprises a wipe of at least 60 mil.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 14 wherein said width of said blade is no more than 3.5 mm.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
67 words
The system of claim 14 wherein said blade comprises first connector mechanisms for electrically coupling said first conductive pad to said other of said power supply board and said circuit board and second connector mechanisms for electrically coupling said second conductive pad to said other of said power supply board and said circuit board, and wherein said first and second connector mechanisms are off-set from each other.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
67 words
The system of claim 14 wherein said blade comprises pins on each side of said insulator that electrically couple the first and second conductive pads of the blade to said other of said power supply board and said circuit board, wherein none of the pins on one side of the insulator are arranged directly across from any of the pins on the opposite side of the insulator.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
251 words
A method of electrically coupling two circuit boards, said method comprising: electrically coupling a blade to a first circuit board via a first connector mechanism that electrically couples a first conductive pad of said blade to said first circuit board and a second connector mechanism that electrically couples a second conductive pad of said blade to said first circuit board, wherein said first and second connector mechanisms are off-set from each other; inserting said blade that is coupled to said first circuit board within a spatial gap of a socket that is coupled to a second circuit board such that said first conductive pad and said second conductive pad of said blade that are arranged directly opposite each other on opposing sides of an insulator and that are electrically isolated from each other engage at least a first conductive member and a second conductive member, respectively, of said socket that are arranged on opposite sides of said spatial gap of said socket and that are electrically isolated from each other; conducting electrical signals of one polarity from one of the first and second circuit boards to the other of the first and second circuit boards via the engagement of the first conductive pad and the first conductive member; and conducting electrical signals of a polarity opposite said one polarity from one of the first and second circuit boards to the other of the first and second circuit boards via the engagement of the second conductive pad and the second conductive member.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
251 words
A method of electrically coupling two circuit boards, said method comprising: electrically coupling a blade to a first circuit board via a first connector mechanism that electrically couples a first conductive pad of said blade to said first circuit board and a second connector mechanism that electrically couples a second conductive pad of said blade to said first circuit board, wherein said first and second connector mechanisms are off-set from each other; inserting said blade that is coupled to said first circuit board within a spatial gap of a socket that is coupled to a second circuit board such that said first conductive pad and said second conductive pad of said blade that are arranged directly opposite each other on opposing sides of an insulator and that are electrically isolated from each other engage at least a first conductive member and a second conductive member, respectively, of said socket that are arranged on opposite sides of said spatial gap of said socket and that are electrically isolated from each other; conducting electrical signals of one polarity from one of the first and second circuit boards to the other of the first and second circuit boards via the engagement of the first conductive pad and the first conductive member; and conducting electrical signals of a polarity opposite said one polarity from one of the first and second circuit boards to the other of the first and second circuit boards via the engagement of the second conductive pad and the second conductive member.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method of claim 21 wherein one of said first and second circuit boards comprises a power board having a power supply for supplying power to the other said first and second circuit boards, wherein said conducting electrical signals comprises: supplying power from said power board to said other circuit board.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 22 wherein said supplying power comprises: supplying at least 25 A positive and 25 A negative.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 22 wherein said supplying power comprises: supplying at least 75 A positive and 75 A negative.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
61 words
The method of claim 21 wherein said inserting comprises: inserting said blade by any amount within a range of insertion distances, wherein said first conductive pad and a second conductive pad of said blade make electrical contact with said at least a first conductive member and a second conductive member, respectively, at any insertion amount within said range of insertion distances.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 25 wherein said range of insertion distances comprises a range of at least 60 mil.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4179171A
Cited
US4572604A
Cited
US4611877A
Cited
US4611877C1
Cited
US5224866A
Cited
US5227953A
Cited
US5599192A
Cited
US5403202A
Cited
US5944563A
Cited
US5572400A
Cited
US5674078A
Cited
US5715146A
Cited
US6006980A
Cited
US6503093B1
Cited
US5857866A
Cited
US6010365A
Cited
US6053776A
Cited
US6120328A
Cited
US6368121B1
Cited
US6537087B2
Cited
US6165018A
Cited
US6224405B1
Cited
US6168477B1
Cited
US6276942B1
Cited
US6315584B1
Cited
US6537083B1
Cited
US6537086B1
Cited
US6494742B1
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2008-11-28 | 2009-05-30 | 2009-11-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2012-11-28 | 2013-05-30 | 2013-11-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2016-11-28 | 2017-05-30 | 2017-11-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |