CA2209660C - Electrical circuit suspension system - Google Patents
Electrical circuit suspension system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2209660C CA2209660C CA002209660A CA2209660A CA2209660C CA 2209660 C CA2209660 C CA 2209660C CA 002209660 A CA002209660 A CA 002209660A CA 2209660 A CA2209660 A CA 2209660A CA 2209660 C CA2209660 C CA 2209660C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- circuit means
- electrical
- connector
- pin
- circuit
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
- 239000000725 suspension Substances 0.000 title description 4
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 17
- 229920001296 polysiloxane Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 17
- 238000001914 filtration Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 20
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 20
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 20
- 239000003990 capacitor Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 claims description 5
- 229920000126 latex Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000004816 latex Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000005060 rubber Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000000806 elastomer Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920001821 foam rubber Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920002631 room-temperature vulcanizate silicone Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000356 contaminant Substances 0.000 claims 1
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- 239000013536 elastomeric material Substances 0.000 description 28
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 16
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 6
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 6
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- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000002955 isolation Methods 0.000 description 4
- 229920002379 silicone rubber Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 239000004945 silicone rubber Substances 0.000 description 4
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 239000004593 Epoxy Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 3
- PCHJSUWPFVWCPO-UHFFFAOYSA-N gold Chemical compound [Au] PCHJSUWPFVWCPO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
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- 239000004065 semiconductor Substances 0.000 description 3
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- -1 FR-4 Substances 0.000 description 2
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- 229920003223 poly(pyromellitimide-1,4-diphenyl ether) Polymers 0.000 description 2
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- 235000012431 wafers Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- NRTLIYOWLVMQBO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 5-chloro-1,3-dimethyl-N-(1,1,3-trimethyl-1,3-dihydro-2-benzofuran-4-yl)pyrazole-4-carboxamide Chemical compound C=12C(C)OC(C)(C)C2=CC=CC=1NC(=O)C=1C(C)=NN(C)C=1Cl NRTLIYOWLVMQBO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 241001465754 Metazoa Species 0.000 description 1
- BQCADISMDOOEFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silver Chemical compound [Ag] BQCADISMDOOEFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- ATJFFYVFTNAWJD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Tin Chemical compound [Sn] ATJFFYVFTNAWJD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000003491 array Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000015556 catabolic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L25/00—Assemblies consisting of a plurality of individual semiconductor or other solid state devices ; Multistep manufacturing processes thereof
- H01L25/16—Assemblies consisting of a plurality of individual semiconductor or other solid state devices ; Multistep manufacturing processes thereof the devices being of types provided for in two or more different main groups of groups H01L27/00 - H01L33/00, or in a single subclass of H10K, H10N, e.g. forming hybrid circuits
- H01L25/165—Containers
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K3/00—Apparatus or processes for manufacturing printed circuits
- H05K3/22—Secondary treatment of printed circuits
- H05K3/28—Applying non-metallic protective coatings
- H05K3/284—Applying non-metallic protective coatings for encapsulating mounted components
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L2224/00—Indexing scheme for arrangements for connecting or disconnecting semiconductor or solid-state bodies and methods related thereto as covered by H01L24/00
- H01L2224/01—Means for bonding being attached to, or being formed on, the surface to be connected, e.g. chip-to-package, die-attach, "first-level" interconnects; Manufacturing methods related thereto
- H01L2224/42—Wire connectors; Manufacturing methods related thereto
- H01L2224/44—Structure, shape, material or disposition of the wire connectors prior to the connecting process
- H01L2224/45—Structure, shape, material or disposition of the wire connectors prior to the connecting process of an individual wire connector
- H01L2224/45001—Core members of the connector
- H01L2224/45099—Material
- H01L2224/451—Material with a principal constituent of the material being a metal or a metalloid, e.g. boron (B), silicon (Si), germanium (Ge), arsenic (As), antimony (Sb), tellurium (Te) and polonium (Po), and alloys thereof
- H01L2224/45138—Material with a principal constituent of the material being a metal or a metalloid, e.g. boron (B), silicon (Si), germanium (Ge), arsenic (As), antimony (Sb), tellurium (Te) and polonium (Po), and alloys thereof the principal constituent melting at a temperature of greater than or equal to 950°C and less than 1550°C
- H01L2224/45144—Gold (Au) as principal constituent
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L2924/00—Indexing scheme for arrangements or methods for connecting or disconnecting semiconductor or solid-state bodies as covered by H01L24/00
- H01L2924/0001—Technical content checked by a classifier
- H01L2924/00011—Not relevant to the scope of the group, the symbol of which is combined with the symbol of this group
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L2924/00—Indexing scheme for arrangements or methods for connecting or disconnecting semiconductor or solid-state bodies as covered by H01L24/00
- H01L2924/0001—Technical content checked by a classifier
- H01L2924/00014—Technical content checked by a classifier the subject-matter covered by the group, the symbol of which is combined with the symbol of this group, being disclosed without further technical details
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L2924/00—Indexing scheme for arrangements or methods for connecting or disconnecting semiconductor or solid-state bodies as covered by H01L24/00
- H01L2924/01—Chemical elements
- H01L2924/01015—Phosphorus [P]
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L2924/00—Indexing scheme for arrangements or methods for connecting or disconnecting semiconductor or solid-state bodies as covered by H01L24/00
- H01L2924/01—Chemical elements
- H01L2924/01047—Silver [Ag]
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K1/00—Printed circuits
- H05K1/02—Details
- H05K1/03—Use of materials for the substrate
- H05K1/0393—Flexible materials
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K1/00—Printed circuits
- H05K1/18—Printed circuits structurally associated with non-printed electric components
Abstract
A device (10) and method wherein electrical components (16) are mechanically suspended and electrically interconnected in an insulative elastomeric body (11), such as silicone, thereby eliminating the need for a circuit board or other circuit substrate. The device (10) can change shape through compression, distension, flexure, and other external forces while maintaining its electrical performance and mechanical integrity. The device (10) can be compressed and deformed to fit snugly within another device, such as the shell (50) of an electrical connector or a plastic clamshell, simultaneously creating spring forces for reliable electrical contacts and an environmental seal. Accordingly, the device and method can be used for a wide variety of purposes such as electrical filtering for avionics, computer or automotive connectors, or a non-intrusive manner to package electronics for medical implants.
Description
WO 96/21245 PG"T/US96100159 ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT SUSPENSION SYSTEM
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention (Technical Field):
The present invention relates to electronics packaging devices and methods.
Background Art:
Electrical circuits and components are typically formed or placed on dielectric substrates. Substrates such as silicon, ceramic, FR-4, plastic, and Kapton form a stable, flat, rigid platform and thus reduce the complexity of forming or assembling complex electrical circuits. When the substrate is FR-4 or a similar glass-epoxy dielectric, the term "circuit-board" is commonly used for the assembly consisting of many electrical components affixed to the substrate and interconnected electrically by traces on the surface of the substrate. When moderately flexible dielectric substrates like Kapton are used in a similar way, the resulting assembly is often referred to as a "flex circuit." For a silicon or similar semiconductor substrate, electrical circuits are etched directly onto the surface of a rigid semiconductor substrate, and the terms "wafer" and "die" commonly apply to the resulting assembly. Electrical components are typically placed on the surface and then soldered in-place to conducting traces usually etched in the surface of the substrate.
Finally, these substrates with circuits on board are typically mounted in an enclosure via fasteners through the substrate or direct bonding of the substrate to an enclosure or other similar means which offers mechanical protection.
As a result of the general use of these substrates, however, known methods of packaging electrical circuits create many undesirable constraints for applications where space, weight, and shape are fundamentally important or where it is desirable to have - the electronic package change shape, dimension, size, and/or volume during installation or use. For example, existing circuit assemblies (circuit boards, wafers, and flex circuits, hereafter collectively referred to as circuit-boards) cannot be compressed, distended, twisted, or flexed into any desired shape (flex circuits offer a very limited range of flexure only) in order to conform to the location into which they must be placed or to ease their installation. The state of the art for flex circuits is represented by U.S. Patent Nos. 4,435,740; 5,014,162: 5,220,488:
and 5,241,454.
In addition, circuit-boards must be coated after final circuit assembly with a "conformal coat" to protect the assembly from moisture, etc. and to electrically isolate components and traces on the assembly. A circuit-board provides no seal for the place where it is installed: if a seal is required, it is incorporated as a separate part of the place where the circuit-board is installed.
The present invention removes these constraints while it provides additional functionality and advantages for many applications. The present invention further accomplishes the functionality of existing circuit-boards without introducing a substrate. Since it uses no substrate, it does not constrain circuit elements to any plane or surface, and it is extremely flexible, stretchable, distensible, and compressible.
There is an existing commercial and industrial need to prevent harsh environmental factors (such as water/humidity, corrosive solutions, oils, etc.) from passing through electrical connectors into sensitive electrical equipment. Some high-end military standard connectors, like MIL-C-38999 connectors, incorporate silicone rubber interfacial seals to address this market need.
Many standard off-the-shelf connectors do not incorporate such seals except as a custom feature or option. Sometimes the need for such seals is only discovered after electrical equipment is sold and used by the consumer in the real-world, and the manufacturer must then retrofit field units and modify units in production to add a seal, usually by changing out connectors. The state of the art for such seals is represented by U.S. Patent Nos. 2,450,528:
2,451,516: 3,004,170: 4,629,269: and 4,993,964.
There is a similar, and often simultaneous, need for methods and products that filter or attenuate electrical noise, transients, and other disturbances on electrical conductors passing through electrical connectors. There are a wide variety of existing devices to serve this need. Existing devices fall into two basic categories: 1) filtering/transient limiting devices that are added to existing/ordinary-unfiltered connectors: 2) filtering/transient limiting devices that are only applicable for use with special connectors designed to accept them.
Prior art for devices of the add-on sort include U.S. Patent Nos. 5,181,859 and 5,290,191 as well as 5,183,698 and 4,979,904.
Prior art for devices of the second category (where the devices are integral parts of special connectors or are where the device is a R'O 96/21245 ~ PG"TIUS96/00159 special connector) include U.S. Patent Nos. 5,194,010 5,149,274 5,134,252: 5,092,788 4,954,089: 4,820,174: 4,729,743: 4,703,984:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention (Technical Field):
The present invention relates to electronics packaging devices and methods.
Background Art:
Electrical circuits and components are typically formed or placed on dielectric substrates. Substrates such as silicon, ceramic, FR-4, plastic, and Kapton form a stable, flat, rigid platform and thus reduce the complexity of forming or assembling complex electrical circuits. When the substrate is FR-4 or a similar glass-epoxy dielectric, the term "circuit-board" is commonly used for the assembly consisting of many electrical components affixed to the substrate and interconnected electrically by traces on the surface of the substrate. When moderately flexible dielectric substrates like Kapton are used in a similar way, the resulting assembly is often referred to as a "flex circuit." For a silicon or similar semiconductor substrate, electrical circuits are etched directly onto the surface of a rigid semiconductor substrate, and the terms "wafer" and "die" commonly apply to the resulting assembly. Electrical components are typically placed on the surface and then soldered in-place to conducting traces usually etched in the surface of the substrate.
Finally, these substrates with circuits on board are typically mounted in an enclosure via fasteners through the substrate or direct bonding of the substrate to an enclosure or other similar means which offers mechanical protection.
As a result of the general use of these substrates, however, known methods of packaging electrical circuits create many undesirable constraints for applications where space, weight, and shape are fundamentally important or where it is desirable to have - the electronic package change shape, dimension, size, and/or volume during installation or use. For example, existing circuit assemblies (circuit boards, wafers, and flex circuits, hereafter collectively referred to as circuit-boards) cannot be compressed, distended, twisted, or flexed into any desired shape (flex circuits offer a very limited range of flexure only) in order to conform to the location into which they must be placed or to ease their installation. The state of the art for flex circuits is represented by U.S. Patent Nos. 4,435,740; 5,014,162: 5,220,488:
and 5,241,454.
In addition, circuit-boards must be coated after final circuit assembly with a "conformal coat" to protect the assembly from moisture, etc. and to electrically isolate components and traces on the assembly. A circuit-board provides no seal for the place where it is installed: if a seal is required, it is incorporated as a separate part of the place where the circuit-board is installed.
The present invention removes these constraints while it provides additional functionality and advantages for many applications. The present invention further accomplishes the functionality of existing circuit-boards without introducing a substrate. Since it uses no substrate, it does not constrain circuit elements to any plane or surface, and it is extremely flexible, stretchable, distensible, and compressible.
There is an existing commercial and industrial need to prevent harsh environmental factors (such as water/humidity, corrosive solutions, oils, etc.) from passing through electrical connectors into sensitive electrical equipment. Some high-end military standard connectors, like MIL-C-38999 connectors, incorporate silicone rubber interfacial seals to address this market need.
Many standard off-the-shelf connectors do not incorporate such seals except as a custom feature or option. Sometimes the need for such seals is only discovered after electrical equipment is sold and used by the consumer in the real-world, and the manufacturer must then retrofit field units and modify units in production to add a seal, usually by changing out connectors. The state of the art for such seals is represented by U.S. Patent Nos. 2,450,528:
2,451,516: 3,004,170: 4,629,269: and 4,993,964.
There is a similar, and often simultaneous, need for methods and products that filter or attenuate electrical noise, transients, and other disturbances on electrical conductors passing through electrical connectors. There are a wide variety of existing devices to serve this need. Existing devices fall into two basic categories: 1) filtering/transient limiting devices that are added to existing/ordinary-unfiltered connectors: 2) filtering/transient limiting devices that are only applicable for use with special connectors designed to accept them.
Prior art for devices of the add-on sort include U.S. Patent Nos. 5,181,859 and 5,290,191 as well as 5,183,698 and 4,979,904.
Prior art for devices of the second category (where the devices are integral parts of special connectors or are where the device is a R'O 96/21245 ~ PG"TIUS96/00159 special connector) include U.S. Patent Nos. 5,194,010 5,149,274 5,134,252: 5,092,788 4,954,089: 4,820,174: 4,729,743: 4,703,984:
4,440,463 4,407,552: 4,362,350: 4,056,299; 3,905,013; 3,852,700:
3,825,874: 3,780,352: 3,670,292 3,569,915: and 3,086,188.
The above devices include drawings of parts that "look" similar to the present invention to a casual observer (a bathtub drain cover shares this same look). Inspection of these references reveals that many of the look-alike parts are simply solid metal foils (e.g., variations of the common bathtub drain cover) that act as ground paths for electrical energy, so there is no packaging of electrical parts at all. The remainder of the look-alike parts all share a common thread: they use substrates as their basic design element. None discloses or suggests the possibility of an insulating elastomeric suspension system, nor the combination of an electrical packaging method and an environmental seal method, nor the use of an elastomeric substance to provide the "springiness"
required to ensure a reliable reusable electrical contact between the part and the host connector. Furthermore, none realize the utility of a flexible, twistable, distensible, and compressible device that: (1) can accommodate variations in the host connector (such as pin locations, shell diameter, mating tolerances) for an improved fit: (2) eases the installation/removal process since the device can readily change shape as required during the process to minimize insertion and removal forces; and (3) survives large temporary pin misalignments (which commonly occur in the real-world due to severe shock or vibration or other trauma to the connector) without degradation of the contacts, seal, or other features.
Therefore, none of the known existing devices provide the capability to simply retrofit or modify existing (ordinary) electrical connectors to obtain the desired filtering or transient attenuation and at the same time add (or preserve their existing) environmental seal within the connector. Few existing devices provide the "add-on" capability, none provide the "add-on"
capability for connectors with common pin misalignments, and none provide (or preserve) the seal capability. None of the known "add-on" devices can adapt to the range of real-world variations and severe treatment encountered in existing connectors, such as misaligned pins,. connector manufacturer-to-manufacturer variations, and severe temporary pin displacement caused by vibration, mechanical shock, or other connector trauma. For example, all of the "add-on" devices use either a tight press-fit connection or a spring-finger connection to the connector pins. In the press-fit case, even slight pin misalignment will prevent installation of the device, or will damage the device if it occurs after installation.
The spring-finger devices use "springy" metals like BeCu, which by 12!04/00 MON 13:20 FAX 604 922 2957 URENPAT--PEST VANCOUVER ~ 003 nature are easily permanenitly deformed or 'sprung"in layman's terms) once bent beyond a narrow oparatsng range, as oven a gin is temporarily bent out of poasition by shock or vibration, or when the device is installed onto misaligned, otit of tolerane~, or out of place pins.
SUGARY OF fAE T1VVENTION
According tv onEa aspect of t:he invention, t~sere is provided a device for adding and coruiecaing circuit means to an electrical connector including couplznc~ means and at least one pin, said device comprising:
an srleetsiCally and mechanically insulative body that changes shape and dimension so that said device fits snugly against at least one coupling means;
circuit means suspended by said body and comprising electrical interconnects permitting components of said circuit means to move with respect tv each other as said body changes shape;
and contact mesas interconrsected with said circuit m~ans and protruding from said .body for making electrical connection tv said at least one coupling means;
wherein said body comprises at least one operiing for fitting around a pin, said op~aning comprising a diameter smaller than a diameter of the pin ovhan said device is not ~ngaged to the pin, but expands to comprise a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the pin when said device is engaged to the pin.
According to a further aspeca of the invention, there is provided a d~v.zce for adding and connecaing circuit means tv an electrical connector, said device comprising:
an electrically and mechanically .insulative body that changes shape and dimension s~o that said ~3eviCe fits snugly against at 1~ast one coupling means;
circuit means suspended by said body and comprising electrical interconnects permitting components of said circuit means to move with respect to each other as said body changes shape;
and contact means interconnected with said circuit means and protruding from said body for making electrical connection to said at least one coupling means;
wherein an area of said body is approximately 5~ to 15~
greater than an inner area of the connector.
According to yet a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for adding and connecting circuit means to an electrical connector, said device comprising:
an electrically and mechanically insulative body that changes shape and dimension so that said device fits snugly against at least one coupling means;
circuit means suspended by said body and comprising electrical interconnects permitting components of said circuit means to move with respect to each other as said body changes shape;
contact means interconnected with said circuit means and protruding from said body for making electrical connection to said at least one coupling means; and external contact means disposed on an edge of said body, wherein at least one of said external contact means connects said circuit means to an outer shell of the connector.
According to still yet a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for adding and connecting circuit means to an electrical connector, said device comprising:
an electrically and mechanically insulative body that changes shape and dimension so that said device fits snugly against at least one coupling means;
circuit means suspended by said body and comprising electrical interconnects permitting components of said circuit means to move with respect to each other as said body changes shape;
and contact means interconnected with said circuit means and protruding from said body for making electrical connection to said at least one coupling means; and wherein said circuit means comprises a network of ground buses electrically connecting a plurality of chip capacitors to an outer shell of the connector, each of said chip capacitors being electrically connected to one of said contact means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a part of the specification, illustrate several embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The drawings are only for r the purpose of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. In the drawings:
Fig. 1 is a top view of an embodiment of the invention useful for a typical low density connector;
Fig. 2 is a top view of another embodiment of the invention useful for a typical high density connector;
Fig. 3 is a partial cut-away side view of the embodiment of Fig. 1 just prior to installation;
Fig. 4 is a partial cut-away side view of the embodiment of Fig. 1 during installation but prior to full connector mating;
Fig. 5 is a partial cut-away side view of the embodiment of Fig. 1 when installed and after full connector mating;
Fig. 6 is a partial cut-away side view of the embodiment of Fig. 1 when installed but where no pin is installed;
Fig. 7 is a top view of an embodiment of the invention useful for a DSUB25 connector;
Fig. 8 is a top view of an embodiment of the invention for watch electronics;
Fig. 9 is an exploded side cutaway view of the embodiment of Fig. 8;
Fig. 10 is a side cutaway view of the embodiment of Fig. 8;
Fig. 11 is a top view of a circuit suspended according to the present invention;
Fig. 12 is a side view of the embodiment of Fig. 11;
Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the embodiment of Fig. 11;
Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the embodiment of Fig. 11 which has been somewhat contorted; and Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the embodiment of Fig. 11 which has been contorted more than in Fig. 14.
t _g_ DESCRIPTION OF TFiE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
!BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT TF1E INVENTION) The preferred embodiments suspend electrical circuits in an insulative elastomeric body that changes shape, size, and volume during use, thereby providing the springiness required for electrical contacts, creating an environmental seal, or simply accommodating change of shape required during its use or installation, in addition to its electrical function. The preferred embodiment is essentially an insulative elastomeric body (e. g., silicone, RTV silicone, heat-cured silicone, two-part silicone, latex, rubber, clay, molding material, or other flexible or elastomeric materials) with an electrical circuit suspended within it (alternatively disposed on it), as will be further described. The transformable material freely suspends the electronics and interconnections, simultaneously providing: (1) mechanical interconnection and protection for all parts of the electrical circuit; (2) insulative properties; (3) a conformal coat for all parts of the electrical circuit, except interface connections which protrude from the transformable material: (4) a distensible and compressible environmental seal for the place where the device is installed (e.g., like a rubber gasket): and (5) a method for ensuring electrical contact from the invention (e.g., a "springiness" of the transformable material under compression to force protruding electrical contacts against corresponding external electrical contacts, such as pins). In addition, the present invention can literally be stretched, twisted, flexed, distended, and compressed as needed to install it in its host location or to fit in its host location, or to adapt to physical changes in the host location during use.
The body, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, may be any material that is non-conducting and transformable, i.e., flexible, and distensible and deformable under compression. Such materials include elastomers (such as silicone and latex) and formable and shapeable materials such as clay, gum, and foam-rubber.
The utility of the invention, and its superiority to existing methods and devices, may be understood by examining 'its application in an area where the existing technology does not adequately address existing needs, namely, interface protection. Interface protection consists of the need to isolate electrical equipment from both electrical and environmental factors such as electrical noise/transients and water/humidity respectively.
R'O 96!21245 PCTlUS96l00159 _g_ This embodiment of the present invention is essentially a collection of electrical components wired together and suspended in an elastomeric material, shaped to fit snugly within a specific place (such as between a specific type of mating electrical connectors), with electrical contacts protruding from the elastomeric material to provide a reliable, re-usable connection to the outside world (like the selected pins and/or the shell of the connector) by using the elastomeric material to obtain the required "spring" force for the contacts. The present invention can be easily, and virtually instantly, added to any common connector to obtain electrical filtering, transient limiting, and an environmental seal. Since the present invention is flexible, twistable, distensible, and compressible, it readily adapts to normally unacceptable variations in the host location, such as pin misalignment, manufacturing tolerances, and manufacturer-to-manufacturer variations.
Referring to Fig. 1, the invention may be applied to a typical low density connector. Device 10 comprises a circular body 11, within which are contained openings 12, pin contacts 14, shell contacts 15, electrical components 16, and ground buses 18.
Body 11 is preferably formed of silicone rubber or other elastomeric material. Openings 12 contain pin contacts 14, which are formed of any suitable conductor, such as 1 MIL to 10 MIL
25, diameter copper wire (optionally plated with gold, tin, or silver), or flat wires such as 5 MIL x 1 MIL Au ribbon, or most preferably gold plated annealed copper wire (3 MIL diameter). Ground buses 18 interconnect electrical components 16, which may be capacitors (e. g., 0402 to 0603 chip capacitors), MOVs, diodes, shorting blocks, resistors, fuses, integrated circuits, memory storage devices, and the like. Ground buses 18 are preferably formed of 42 AWG Cu wire or 5 MIL x 1 MIL Au ribbon. Extra ground buses may be provided as needed for adequate RF performance of the device.
Ground buses 18 electrically connect to the plug shell of the connector via shell contacts 15 which protrude slightly from the edge of body 11. Shell contacts 15 may be formed of materials identical to pin contacts 14. Slack sections 19 (or devices such as stretchable conductive silicone conductors) are preferably provided to ground buses 18 and pin contacts 14 so that electrical connections are not torn when body 11 is stretched, compressed, twisted, bent, or otherwise contorted. Individual electrical components are thereby permitted to move with respect to each other and with respect to the environment external to body 11.
Referring to Fig. 2, the invention may also be applied to a typical high density connector. Device 20 comprises a circular body 21, within which are contained openings 22, pin contacts 24, shell contacts 25, electrical components 26, ground buses 28, and slack sections 29. In this embodiment, pin contacts 24 preferably are formed of 2-5 MIL Au plated Cu. Referring to Fig. 7, the invention may also be applied to a DSUB25 connector. Device 70 comprises an oblong body 71, within which are contained openings 72, pin contacts 74, shell contacts 75, electrical components 76 and ground buses 78. As will be understood by one skilled in the art, the invention can be practised with any connector type, including CENTRONIX (Trade Mark) power plugs and various plastic automotive connectors.
Of the many advantages of the present invention, one of the most important is the creation of a durable, re-usable electrical contact having no spring that can wear out, that is sealed from water, humidity, and the like, and that can adapt to a wide range of varying conditions including out of place pins and severe vibration and mechanical shock. Figs. 3-5 illustrate the embodiment of Fig. 1 being installed between male and female connector assemblies, Fig. 3 showing the devices before installation, Fig. 4 during installation, and Fig. 5 after installation. The female connector assembly comprises receptacle shell 30, receptacle plastic 32, and socket 34. Male connector assembly comprises pin 40, plug shell 50, perimeter interfacial seal 52, plug interfacial seal 54, and plug plastic 56.
The present invention's contacts are implemented by sizing the inner hole diameter of openings 12 in body 11 so that the inner hole diameter is 10~ to 50~ smaller than the diameter of pin 40 which passes through it upon installation. (However, openings may be made so small that it self closes via latent compressive forces in the silicone body. This is useful where one Want to maximize the contact force of where one must seal around and make contact to a pin or shell with a wide size variation.) Since the location of pins 40 changes with time due to external forces applied to the connector, there is no way to accurately know their positions at any given time. Thus, the as-built locations of pin openings 12 are in the general proximity of the pin locations, preferably no more than two pin diameters away. In use (upon installation), the locations of pin openings 12 need not align with (and in practise usually will not align with) but self-adjust to obtain and maintain alignment with the every changing locations of pins 40. A small conductive wire or ribbon --pin contact 14-- protrudes from body 11 into opening 12 and proceeds along the inner edge of the opening.
Thus, when the seal is installed, pin contact 14 is forced against -l0A-pin 40 by the compression of the body caused by a pin too big to fit into the opening unless the body compresses and the opening expands.
Shell contacts 15 Work on a similar basis to pin contacts 14, since the outer diameter or perimeter of body 11 is preferably 5$ to 15~ larger then the inner diameter of plug shell 50.
This force alone is adequate to obtain a good electrical contact under nominal environmental conditions. However, the force is greatly increased by the final overall compression of the seal during final mate of the host connectors (see Fig. 5), significantly improving the connectors' performance under severe environmental stress (vibration, shock, corrosion, etc.). Note that when the pair of host connectors is completely mated, this last few millimeters of movement will compress body 11 of the present invention between the mated connectors, resulting in the enhanced compression force around each pin. This is a key feature since this increased force is not present during installation or removal of the present invention, thus reducing the effort required to install and remove it.
This final compression effect can perhaps be more easily visualized by reference to Fig. 6, which shows the position of a pin opening and contact after a connector pair is fully mated but without a pin installed in the opening. Note that the contact is pushed well into the space 42 normally occupied by the pin because the seal, under compression, is distended into areas under no, or less, compression.
It is important to see that unlike existing metal-spring and pressed-fit type contacts, the contact concept of the present invention works even when a pin is severely misaligned or misplaced or even when a pin is temporarily bent well out of place. While existing devices will incur permanent damage due to major misalignments that frequently occur in practice during their installation, use and removal, the present invention accommodates these conditions by simply flexing into position as dictated by the pin location.
Electrical components and wiring/interconnections within the elastomeric material seal are not constrained to any surface, plane, layer, or recess in a substrate as is the case with existing devices. The components can be anywhere and in any orientation within or on the.elastomeric material, with the only constraint deriving from the need to maintain proper electrical isolation between adjacent components and interconnections. This results in a more efficient use of available space as well as relaxed manufacturing requirements. Interconnections can be accomplished by simple point-to-point wiring between components and pins, using solder, wire bonding, or conductive epoxy to bond wires to .t f components. As noted earlier, slack in wires or stretchable conductive silicone conductors may be used to permit maximum contortability of the device without tearing of electrical , connections within the device. This freeform structure allows the transformability desired once the circuitry is suspended in the elastomeric material.
Another major advantage of the elastomeric material suspension system is the isolation it provides for the suspended components.
Once installed in a connector, the present invention provides excellent mechanical isolation from vibration and mechanical shock for the suspended electrical circuitry, especially when compared with all existing devices which place the electrical circuitry and/or its substrate in intimate contact with hard surfaces of the connector.
For retrofit applications, the present invention is installed into a connector that typically already has its pins installed (see Fig. 9). Thus, the present invention is installed by slipping it into the male connector, whereupon the pin openings shift positions (by deforming the elastomeric body) to accommodate out of alignment pins and the pin openings expand to accommodate the larger diameter of the pins and the outer diameter of the seal is compressed to fit within the smaller diameter of the connector shell. The present invention can be semi-permanently glued to the mating surface of the connector with, e.g., silicone rubber RTV, but this is not essential in that the device will stay in place without glue due to the forces exerted on the pins and the shell from the compression of the elastomeric material. This installation process is the same whether or not the connector has an existing interfacial (environmental) seal; the present invention will preserve the environmental seal for connectors that already have one and will create an environmental seal for connectors without one.
The present invention may also be used to physically replace any elastomeric material component within a connector (or any other device), which will permit heightened functionality of the connector depending on the electrical circuitry within the body of the invention. During manufacture of a connector, a device according to the.present invention may be installed in place of an elastomeric material component without any need for retooling.
Perhaps the most evident elastomeric material components that may be so replaced are the seals in the back of male or female connectors and the plug interfacial seal of a male connector.
For new connectors, without pins installed, the present invention is installed in the empty male connector shell, WO 96J21245 PG"T/US96/00159 compressing the outer diameter of the seal. In this case it is recommended that the seal be semi-permanently glued in place using a suitable glue, such as silicone rubber RTV. Later, when the pins are installed in the connector, they will expand the pin openings in the seal, again creating the required environmental seal and compression forces needed to activate the electrical contacts.
An example of this use would be to affix the present invention to a MIL-C-38999 type connector instead of the normal interfacial seal to upgrade an unfiltered connector with a seal to a filtered connector with a seal. The result would be a connector that looks and performs just like a standard (unfiltered) connector except it would now be upgraded to a filtered/transient limiting type. This straightforward modification will allow a connector manufacturer or value-added reseller to add filter connectors to their product line at an extremely low cost, with no change in their production tooling and achieving a much greater commonality between unfiltered and filtered connectors than is the case with existing devices.
For this application, each of the electrical components within the body of the invention is preferably an 0402 to 0603 chip capacitor.
The body of the present invention is preferably clear so that the electrical components may be viewed within, which permits visual inspection (either human or automated) to determine certain faults. Alternatively, the body may be easily dyed any desired color by simply adding dye to the silicone, which permits color-coding of components for easy visual identification.
The present invention can be used to perform a variety of electrical functions by simply changing the electrical circuitry contained within the device. For example, replacing the capacitors with diodes or metal oxide varistors (MOVs) in surface mount ,(SMT) form creates a transient limiting device useful to protect an electrical device from electrostatic discharge (ESD), lightning, and other common electrical transients. As another example, the invention may be used to free up valuable internal circuit board space of an electrical device by placing various parallel electrical interface components within the invention instead of on the internal circuit board. Since the space within the connector is typically thought of as wasted space, placing the components in the invention instead of on an internal circuit board may be more cost effective and/or may allow the host electrical device to be smaller. Another example is the use of the present invention as a sensor for the voltage and current on pins within a connector. In this case, the invention can contain various sensing circuitry such as magnetoresistive current sensors, calibrated fuses or antifuses placed between pins and other pins or the connector shell, and/or WO 96/21245 PGT/US96/001~9 other simple memory circuits as are commonly used (such as flip-flops, programmable gate arrays, etc.). By way of these examples it is clear that the present invention may contain any combination of electrical components familiar to those skilled in the art as it exists now or in the future.
The present invention can also be used advantageously as an alternative way to add electronics in "cla;nshell" type enclosures commonly used for products like watches, automobile key fobs, calculators, and the like. The advantages over traditional packaging include: (1) electronics and interconnects are environmentally sealed by virtue of being totally contained within the elastomeric material (preferably silicone): (2) a peripheral environmental seal for the housing can be achieved simply by compressing the elastomeric material between the two halves of the clamshell: (3) a circuit board is not needed; (4) thermal and mechanical isolation of electronics and interconnects. is provided;
and (5) contact means to the battery (and other separate components as required) can be achieved by using the compressive forces within the elastomeric material to provide the spring force needed to push these contacts together (eliminating the need for fragile spring metal contacts such as BeCu that typically perform this function).
Referring to Fig. 8, watch electronics may be conveniently packaged according to the present invention. The internal watch electronics includes semiconductor chip or die 80 and electrical interconnects 81 completely suspended in elastomeric material 82 (preferably silicone). Display 83 may be placed so that the display face is exposed, or if a transparent elastomeric material is used, totally contained within the elastomeric material.
Switches 84 are partially exposed to allow proper operation. A
recess is formed in the elastomeric material to removably accept battery 85. Electrical interconnects 81 may be of any suitable conductive material, such as copper or gold wire or traces. They may be bare wires, due to the electrical insulation afforded by a elastomeric material such as silicone, or insulated wire, and may be connected to the electronics via soldering, wire bonding, or conductive~epoxy, whichever best serves manufacturability.
Interconnects are illustrated with service loops to accommodate compression of the elastomeric material and the resulting small movement of connected electronic components with respect to each other. These electronics and elastomeric material comprise a complete subassembly which is shown placed onto the lower half of clamshell 86. The watch device prior to mating of the clamshells is shown in Fig. 9. An environmental seal for the enclosure is created when elastomeric material 82 is compressed around its WO 96121245 t PCTIUS96/00159 perimeter by clamshell top 87 and bottom 86 as they are mated, as illustrated in Fig. 10.
Figs. 11-15 illustrate another device according to the present invention for packaging electronics. Device i00 comprises elastomeric material body 101 (preferably silicone) which suspends various electrical and electronic components 102 interconnected by conducting elements 103 with output and input connections obtained via contacts 104. Conducting elements 103 and contacts 104 are routed between components such that they contain residual slack, allowing the individual components to move with respect to each other as the elastomeric material body is stretched, flexed, compressed, and/or twisted during installation and use without damaging the interconnections or suspended components. Figs. 14 and 15 show two exemplary deformations of the elastomeric material body that can be easily accommodated by the interconnecting means and components without damage. The elastomeric material body is undergoing both uneven flexure and unevenly applied compression at point 105. Note that the elastomeric material body can be completely clear, translucent, or opaque and can be dyed to any color desired during construction.
Devices according to the invention are particularly useful for implanted medical devices, where small size, adaptable shape and size, and environmental sealing are simultaneously desired. The body of the device must be such that it can be placed in direct contact with many human and animal tissues, while isolating the internal components and conducting means from the tissues and vice versa. Silicone provides a material meeting these considerations.
In addition, the device may be constructed to be soft, supple, and limber so as to cause the minimum discomfort and to remain unobtrusive after implantation.
As can be seen, in addition to the above uses or applications, any circuit application which utilizes or requires a seal can benefit from the device of the present invention.
Although the invention has been described in detail with particular reference to these preferred embodiments, other embodiments can achieve the same results. Variations and modifications of the present invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications and equivalents. The entire disclosures of all references, applications, patents, and publications cited above are hereby incorporated by reference.
3,825,874: 3,780,352: 3,670,292 3,569,915: and 3,086,188.
The above devices include drawings of parts that "look" similar to the present invention to a casual observer (a bathtub drain cover shares this same look). Inspection of these references reveals that many of the look-alike parts are simply solid metal foils (e.g., variations of the common bathtub drain cover) that act as ground paths for electrical energy, so there is no packaging of electrical parts at all. The remainder of the look-alike parts all share a common thread: they use substrates as their basic design element. None discloses or suggests the possibility of an insulating elastomeric suspension system, nor the combination of an electrical packaging method and an environmental seal method, nor the use of an elastomeric substance to provide the "springiness"
required to ensure a reliable reusable electrical contact between the part and the host connector. Furthermore, none realize the utility of a flexible, twistable, distensible, and compressible device that: (1) can accommodate variations in the host connector (such as pin locations, shell diameter, mating tolerances) for an improved fit: (2) eases the installation/removal process since the device can readily change shape as required during the process to minimize insertion and removal forces; and (3) survives large temporary pin misalignments (which commonly occur in the real-world due to severe shock or vibration or other trauma to the connector) without degradation of the contacts, seal, or other features.
Therefore, none of the known existing devices provide the capability to simply retrofit or modify existing (ordinary) electrical connectors to obtain the desired filtering or transient attenuation and at the same time add (or preserve their existing) environmental seal within the connector. Few existing devices provide the "add-on" capability, none provide the "add-on"
capability for connectors with common pin misalignments, and none provide (or preserve) the seal capability. None of the known "add-on" devices can adapt to the range of real-world variations and severe treatment encountered in existing connectors, such as misaligned pins,. connector manufacturer-to-manufacturer variations, and severe temporary pin displacement caused by vibration, mechanical shock, or other connector trauma. For example, all of the "add-on" devices use either a tight press-fit connection or a spring-finger connection to the connector pins. In the press-fit case, even slight pin misalignment will prevent installation of the device, or will damage the device if it occurs after installation.
The spring-finger devices use "springy" metals like BeCu, which by 12!04/00 MON 13:20 FAX 604 922 2957 URENPAT--PEST VANCOUVER ~ 003 nature are easily permanenitly deformed or 'sprung"in layman's terms) once bent beyond a narrow oparatsng range, as oven a gin is temporarily bent out of poasition by shock or vibration, or when the device is installed onto misaligned, otit of tolerane~, or out of place pins.
SUGARY OF fAE T1VVENTION
According tv onEa aspect of t:he invention, t~sere is provided a device for adding and coruiecaing circuit means to an electrical connector including couplznc~ means and at least one pin, said device comprising:
an srleetsiCally and mechanically insulative body that changes shape and dimension so that said device fits snugly against at least one coupling means;
circuit means suspended by said body and comprising electrical interconnects permitting components of said circuit means to move with respect tv each other as said body changes shape;
and contact mesas interconrsected with said circuit m~ans and protruding from said .body for making electrical connection tv said at least one coupling means;
wherein said body comprises at least one operiing for fitting around a pin, said op~aning comprising a diameter smaller than a diameter of the pin ovhan said device is not ~ngaged to the pin, but expands to comprise a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the pin when said device is engaged to the pin.
According to a further aspeca of the invention, there is provided a d~v.zce for adding and connecaing circuit means tv an electrical connector, said device comprising:
an electrically and mechanically .insulative body that changes shape and dimension s~o that said ~3eviCe fits snugly against at 1~ast one coupling means;
circuit means suspended by said body and comprising electrical interconnects permitting components of said circuit means to move with respect to each other as said body changes shape;
and contact means interconnected with said circuit means and protruding from said body for making electrical connection to said at least one coupling means;
wherein an area of said body is approximately 5~ to 15~
greater than an inner area of the connector.
According to yet a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for adding and connecting circuit means to an electrical connector, said device comprising:
an electrically and mechanically insulative body that changes shape and dimension so that said device fits snugly against at least one coupling means;
circuit means suspended by said body and comprising electrical interconnects permitting components of said circuit means to move with respect to each other as said body changes shape;
contact means interconnected with said circuit means and protruding from said body for making electrical connection to said at least one coupling means; and external contact means disposed on an edge of said body, wherein at least one of said external contact means connects said circuit means to an outer shell of the connector.
According to still yet a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for adding and connecting circuit means to an electrical connector, said device comprising:
an electrically and mechanically insulative body that changes shape and dimension so that said device fits snugly against at least one coupling means;
circuit means suspended by said body and comprising electrical interconnects permitting components of said circuit means to move with respect to each other as said body changes shape;
and contact means interconnected with said circuit means and protruding from said body for making electrical connection to said at least one coupling means; and wherein said circuit means comprises a network of ground buses electrically connecting a plurality of chip capacitors to an outer shell of the connector, each of said chip capacitors being electrically connected to one of said contact means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a part of the specification, illustrate several embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The drawings are only for r the purpose of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. In the drawings:
Fig. 1 is a top view of an embodiment of the invention useful for a typical low density connector;
Fig. 2 is a top view of another embodiment of the invention useful for a typical high density connector;
Fig. 3 is a partial cut-away side view of the embodiment of Fig. 1 just prior to installation;
Fig. 4 is a partial cut-away side view of the embodiment of Fig. 1 during installation but prior to full connector mating;
Fig. 5 is a partial cut-away side view of the embodiment of Fig. 1 when installed and after full connector mating;
Fig. 6 is a partial cut-away side view of the embodiment of Fig. 1 when installed but where no pin is installed;
Fig. 7 is a top view of an embodiment of the invention useful for a DSUB25 connector;
Fig. 8 is a top view of an embodiment of the invention for watch electronics;
Fig. 9 is an exploded side cutaway view of the embodiment of Fig. 8;
Fig. 10 is a side cutaway view of the embodiment of Fig. 8;
Fig. 11 is a top view of a circuit suspended according to the present invention;
Fig. 12 is a side view of the embodiment of Fig. 11;
Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the embodiment of Fig. 11;
Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the embodiment of Fig. 11 which has been somewhat contorted; and Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the embodiment of Fig. 11 which has been contorted more than in Fig. 14.
t _g_ DESCRIPTION OF TFiE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
!BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT TF1E INVENTION) The preferred embodiments suspend electrical circuits in an insulative elastomeric body that changes shape, size, and volume during use, thereby providing the springiness required for electrical contacts, creating an environmental seal, or simply accommodating change of shape required during its use or installation, in addition to its electrical function. The preferred embodiment is essentially an insulative elastomeric body (e. g., silicone, RTV silicone, heat-cured silicone, two-part silicone, latex, rubber, clay, molding material, or other flexible or elastomeric materials) with an electrical circuit suspended within it (alternatively disposed on it), as will be further described. The transformable material freely suspends the electronics and interconnections, simultaneously providing: (1) mechanical interconnection and protection for all parts of the electrical circuit; (2) insulative properties; (3) a conformal coat for all parts of the electrical circuit, except interface connections which protrude from the transformable material: (4) a distensible and compressible environmental seal for the place where the device is installed (e.g., like a rubber gasket): and (5) a method for ensuring electrical contact from the invention (e.g., a "springiness" of the transformable material under compression to force protruding electrical contacts against corresponding external electrical contacts, such as pins). In addition, the present invention can literally be stretched, twisted, flexed, distended, and compressed as needed to install it in its host location or to fit in its host location, or to adapt to physical changes in the host location during use.
The body, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, may be any material that is non-conducting and transformable, i.e., flexible, and distensible and deformable under compression. Such materials include elastomers (such as silicone and latex) and formable and shapeable materials such as clay, gum, and foam-rubber.
The utility of the invention, and its superiority to existing methods and devices, may be understood by examining 'its application in an area where the existing technology does not adequately address existing needs, namely, interface protection. Interface protection consists of the need to isolate electrical equipment from both electrical and environmental factors such as electrical noise/transients and water/humidity respectively.
R'O 96!21245 PCTlUS96l00159 _g_ This embodiment of the present invention is essentially a collection of electrical components wired together and suspended in an elastomeric material, shaped to fit snugly within a specific place (such as between a specific type of mating electrical connectors), with electrical contacts protruding from the elastomeric material to provide a reliable, re-usable connection to the outside world (like the selected pins and/or the shell of the connector) by using the elastomeric material to obtain the required "spring" force for the contacts. The present invention can be easily, and virtually instantly, added to any common connector to obtain electrical filtering, transient limiting, and an environmental seal. Since the present invention is flexible, twistable, distensible, and compressible, it readily adapts to normally unacceptable variations in the host location, such as pin misalignment, manufacturing tolerances, and manufacturer-to-manufacturer variations.
Referring to Fig. 1, the invention may be applied to a typical low density connector. Device 10 comprises a circular body 11, within which are contained openings 12, pin contacts 14, shell contacts 15, electrical components 16, and ground buses 18.
Body 11 is preferably formed of silicone rubber or other elastomeric material. Openings 12 contain pin contacts 14, which are formed of any suitable conductor, such as 1 MIL to 10 MIL
25, diameter copper wire (optionally plated with gold, tin, or silver), or flat wires such as 5 MIL x 1 MIL Au ribbon, or most preferably gold plated annealed copper wire (3 MIL diameter). Ground buses 18 interconnect electrical components 16, which may be capacitors (e. g., 0402 to 0603 chip capacitors), MOVs, diodes, shorting blocks, resistors, fuses, integrated circuits, memory storage devices, and the like. Ground buses 18 are preferably formed of 42 AWG Cu wire or 5 MIL x 1 MIL Au ribbon. Extra ground buses may be provided as needed for adequate RF performance of the device.
Ground buses 18 electrically connect to the plug shell of the connector via shell contacts 15 which protrude slightly from the edge of body 11. Shell contacts 15 may be formed of materials identical to pin contacts 14. Slack sections 19 (or devices such as stretchable conductive silicone conductors) are preferably provided to ground buses 18 and pin contacts 14 so that electrical connections are not torn when body 11 is stretched, compressed, twisted, bent, or otherwise contorted. Individual electrical components are thereby permitted to move with respect to each other and with respect to the environment external to body 11.
Referring to Fig. 2, the invention may also be applied to a typical high density connector. Device 20 comprises a circular body 21, within which are contained openings 22, pin contacts 24, shell contacts 25, electrical components 26, ground buses 28, and slack sections 29. In this embodiment, pin contacts 24 preferably are formed of 2-5 MIL Au plated Cu. Referring to Fig. 7, the invention may also be applied to a DSUB25 connector. Device 70 comprises an oblong body 71, within which are contained openings 72, pin contacts 74, shell contacts 75, electrical components 76 and ground buses 78. As will be understood by one skilled in the art, the invention can be practised with any connector type, including CENTRONIX (Trade Mark) power plugs and various plastic automotive connectors.
Of the many advantages of the present invention, one of the most important is the creation of a durable, re-usable electrical contact having no spring that can wear out, that is sealed from water, humidity, and the like, and that can adapt to a wide range of varying conditions including out of place pins and severe vibration and mechanical shock. Figs. 3-5 illustrate the embodiment of Fig. 1 being installed between male and female connector assemblies, Fig. 3 showing the devices before installation, Fig. 4 during installation, and Fig. 5 after installation. The female connector assembly comprises receptacle shell 30, receptacle plastic 32, and socket 34. Male connector assembly comprises pin 40, plug shell 50, perimeter interfacial seal 52, plug interfacial seal 54, and plug plastic 56.
The present invention's contacts are implemented by sizing the inner hole diameter of openings 12 in body 11 so that the inner hole diameter is 10~ to 50~ smaller than the diameter of pin 40 which passes through it upon installation. (However, openings may be made so small that it self closes via latent compressive forces in the silicone body. This is useful where one Want to maximize the contact force of where one must seal around and make contact to a pin or shell with a wide size variation.) Since the location of pins 40 changes with time due to external forces applied to the connector, there is no way to accurately know their positions at any given time. Thus, the as-built locations of pin openings 12 are in the general proximity of the pin locations, preferably no more than two pin diameters away. In use (upon installation), the locations of pin openings 12 need not align with (and in practise usually will not align with) but self-adjust to obtain and maintain alignment with the every changing locations of pins 40. A small conductive wire or ribbon --pin contact 14-- protrudes from body 11 into opening 12 and proceeds along the inner edge of the opening.
Thus, when the seal is installed, pin contact 14 is forced against -l0A-pin 40 by the compression of the body caused by a pin too big to fit into the opening unless the body compresses and the opening expands.
Shell contacts 15 Work on a similar basis to pin contacts 14, since the outer diameter or perimeter of body 11 is preferably 5$ to 15~ larger then the inner diameter of plug shell 50.
This force alone is adequate to obtain a good electrical contact under nominal environmental conditions. However, the force is greatly increased by the final overall compression of the seal during final mate of the host connectors (see Fig. 5), significantly improving the connectors' performance under severe environmental stress (vibration, shock, corrosion, etc.). Note that when the pair of host connectors is completely mated, this last few millimeters of movement will compress body 11 of the present invention between the mated connectors, resulting in the enhanced compression force around each pin. This is a key feature since this increased force is not present during installation or removal of the present invention, thus reducing the effort required to install and remove it.
This final compression effect can perhaps be more easily visualized by reference to Fig. 6, which shows the position of a pin opening and contact after a connector pair is fully mated but without a pin installed in the opening. Note that the contact is pushed well into the space 42 normally occupied by the pin because the seal, under compression, is distended into areas under no, or less, compression.
It is important to see that unlike existing metal-spring and pressed-fit type contacts, the contact concept of the present invention works even when a pin is severely misaligned or misplaced or even when a pin is temporarily bent well out of place. While existing devices will incur permanent damage due to major misalignments that frequently occur in practice during their installation, use and removal, the present invention accommodates these conditions by simply flexing into position as dictated by the pin location.
Electrical components and wiring/interconnections within the elastomeric material seal are not constrained to any surface, plane, layer, or recess in a substrate as is the case with existing devices. The components can be anywhere and in any orientation within or on the.elastomeric material, with the only constraint deriving from the need to maintain proper electrical isolation between adjacent components and interconnections. This results in a more efficient use of available space as well as relaxed manufacturing requirements. Interconnections can be accomplished by simple point-to-point wiring between components and pins, using solder, wire bonding, or conductive epoxy to bond wires to .t f components. As noted earlier, slack in wires or stretchable conductive silicone conductors may be used to permit maximum contortability of the device without tearing of electrical , connections within the device. This freeform structure allows the transformability desired once the circuitry is suspended in the elastomeric material.
Another major advantage of the elastomeric material suspension system is the isolation it provides for the suspended components.
Once installed in a connector, the present invention provides excellent mechanical isolation from vibration and mechanical shock for the suspended electrical circuitry, especially when compared with all existing devices which place the electrical circuitry and/or its substrate in intimate contact with hard surfaces of the connector.
For retrofit applications, the present invention is installed into a connector that typically already has its pins installed (see Fig. 9). Thus, the present invention is installed by slipping it into the male connector, whereupon the pin openings shift positions (by deforming the elastomeric body) to accommodate out of alignment pins and the pin openings expand to accommodate the larger diameter of the pins and the outer diameter of the seal is compressed to fit within the smaller diameter of the connector shell. The present invention can be semi-permanently glued to the mating surface of the connector with, e.g., silicone rubber RTV, but this is not essential in that the device will stay in place without glue due to the forces exerted on the pins and the shell from the compression of the elastomeric material. This installation process is the same whether or not the connector has an existing interfacial (environmental) seal; the present invention will preserve the environmental seal for connectors that already have one and will create an environmental seal for connectors without one.
The present invention may also be used to physically replace any elastomeric material component within a connector (or any other device), which will permit heightened functionality of the connector depending on the electrical circuitry within the body of the invention. During manufacture of a connector, a device according to the.present invention may be installed in place of an elastomeric material component without any need for retooling.
Perhaps the most evident elastomeric material components that may be so replaced are the seals in the back of male or female connectors and the plug interfacial seal of a male connector.
For new connectors, without pins installed, the present invention is installed in the empty male connector shell, WO 96J21245 PG"T/US96/00159 compressing the outer diameter of the seal. In this case it is recommended that the seal be semi-permanently glued in place using a suitable glue, such as silicone rubber RTV. Later, when the pins are installed in the connector, they will expand the pin openings in the seal, again creating the required environmental seal and compression forces needed to activate the electrical contacts.
An example of this use would be to affix the present invention to a MIL-C-38999 type connector instead of the normal interfacial seal to upgrade an unfiltered connector with a seal to a filtered connector with a seal. The result would be a connector that looks and performs just like a standard (unfiltered) connector except it would now be upgraded to a filtered/transient limiting type. This straightforward modification will allow a connector manufacturer or value-added reseller to add filter connectors to their product line at an extremely low cost, with no change in their production tooling and achieving a much greater commonality between unfiltered and filtered connectors than is the case with existing devices.
For this application, each of the electrical components within the body of the invention is preferably an 0402 to 0603 chip capacitor.
The body of the present invention is preferably clear so that the electrical components may be viewed within, which permits visual inspection (either human or automated) to determine certain faults. Alternatively, the body may be easily dyed any desired color by simply adding dye to the silicone, which permits color-coding of components for easy visual identification.
The present invention can be used to perform a variety of electrical functions by simply changing the electrical circuitry contained within the device. For example, replacing the capacitors with diodes or metal oxide varistors (MOVs) in surface mount ,(SMT) form creates a transient limiting device useful to protect an electrical device from electrostatic discharge (ESD), lightning, and other common electrical transients. As another example, the invention may be used to free up valuable internal circuit board space of an electrical device by placing various parallel electrical interface components within the invention instead of on the internal circuit board. Since the space within the connector is typically thought of as wasted space, placing the components in the invention instead of on an internal circuit board may be more cost effective and/or may allow the host electrical device to be smaller. Another example is the use of the present invention as a sensor for the voltage and current on pins within a connector. In this case, the invention can contain various sensing circuitry such as magnetoresistive current sensors, calibrated fuses or antifuses placed between pins and other pins or the connector shell, and/or WO 96/21245 PGT/US96/001~9 other simple memory circuits as are commonly used (such as flip-flops, programmable gate arrays, etc.). By way of these examples it is clear that the present invention may contain any combination of electrical components familiar to those skilled in the art as it exists now or in the future.
The present invention can also be used advantageously as an alternative way to add electronics in "cla;nshell" type enclosures commonly used for products like watches, automobile key fobs, calculators, and the like. The advantages over traditional packaging include: (1) electronics and interconnects are environmentally sealed by virtue of being totally contained within the elastomeric material (preferably silicone): (2) a peripheral environmental seal for the housing can be achieved simply by compressing the elastomeric material between the two halves of the clamshell: (3) a circuit board is not needed; (4) thermal and mechanical isolation of electronics and interconnects. is provided;
and (5) contact means to the battery (and other separate components as required) can be achieved by using the compressive forces within the elastomeric material to provide the spring force needed to push these contacts together (eliminating the need for fragile spring metal contacts such as BeCu that typically perform this function).
Referring to Fig. 8, watch electronics may be conveniently packaged according to the present invention. The internal watch electronics includes semiconductor chip or die 80 and electrical interconnects 81 completely suspended in elastomeric material 82 (preferably silicone). Display 83 may be placed so that the display face is exposed, or if a transparent elastomeric material is used, totally contained within the elastomeric material.
Switches 84 are partially exposed to allow proper operation. A
recess is formed in the elastomeric material to removably accept battery 85. Electrical interconnects 81 may be of any suitable conductive material, such as copper or gold wire or traces. They may be bare wires, due to the electrical insulation afforded by a elastomeric material such as silicone, or insulated wire, and may be connected to the electronics via soldering, wire bonding, or conductive~epoxy, whichever best serves manufacturability.
Interconnects are illustrated with service loops to accommodate compression of the elastomeric material and the resulting small movement of connected electronic components with respect to each other. These electronics and elastomeric material comprise a complete subassembly which is shown placed onto the lower half of clamshell 86. The watch device prior to mating of the clamshells is shown in Fig. 9. An environmental seal for the enclosure is created when elastomeric material 82 is compressed around its WO 96121245 t PCTIUS96/00159 perimeter by clamshell top 87 and bottom 86 as they are mated, as illustrated in Fig. 10.
Figs. 11-15 illustrate another device according to the present invention for packaging electronics. Device i00 comprises elastomeric material body 101 (preferably silicone) which suspends various electrical and electronic components 102 interconnected by conducting elements 103 with output and input connections obtained via contacts 104. Conducting elements 103 and contacts 104 are routed between components such that they contain residual slack, allowing the individual components to move with respect to each other as the elastomeric material body is stretched, flexed, compressed, and/or twisted during installation and use without damaging the interconnections or suspended components. Figs. 14 and 15 show two exemplary deformations of the elastomeric material body that can be easily accommodated by the interconnecting means and components without damage. The elastomeric material body is undergoing both uneven flexure and unevenly applied compression at point 105. Note that the elastomeric material body can be completely clear, translucent, or opaque and can be dyed to any color desired during construction.
Devices according to the invention are particularly useful for implanted medical devices, where small size, adaptable shape and size, and environmental sealing are simultaneously desired. The body of the device must be such that it can be placed in direct contact with many human and animal tissues, while isolating the internal components and conducting means from the tissues and vice versa. Silicone provides a material meeting these considerations.
In addition, the device may be constructed to be soft, supple, and limber so as to cause the minimum discomfort and to remain unobtrusive after implantation.
As can be seen, in addition to the above uses or applications, any circuit application which utilizes or requires a seal can benefit from the device of the present invention.
Although the invention has been described in detail with particular reference to these preferred embodiments, other embodiments can achieve the same results. Variations and modifications of the present invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications and equivalents. The entire disclosures of all references, applications, patents, and publications cited above are hereby incorporated by reference.
Claims (21)
PRIVILEGE IS CLAIM ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A device for adding and connecting circuit means to an electrical connector including coupling means and at least one pin, said device comprising:
an electrically and mechanically insulative body that changes shape and dimension so that said device fits snugly against at least one coupling means;
circuit means suspended by said body and comprising electrical interconnects permitting components of said circuit means to move with respect to each other as said body changes shape;
and contact means interconnected with said circuit means and protruding from said body for making electrical connection to said at least one coupling means;
wherein said body comprises at least one opening for fitting around a pin, said opening comprising a diameter smaller than a diameter of the pin when said device is not engaged to the pin, but expands to comprise a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the pin when said device is engaged to the pin.
an electrically and mechanically insulative body that changes shape and dimension so that said device fits snugly against at least one coupling means;
circuit means suspended by said body and comprising electrical interconnects permitting components of said circuit means to move with respect to each other as said body changes shape;
and contact means interconnected with said circuit means and protruding from said body for making electrical connection to said at least one coupling means;
wherein said body comprises at least one opening for fitting around a pin, said opening comprising a diameter smaller than a diameter of the pin when said device is not engaged to the pin, but expands to comprise a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the pin when said device is engaged to the pin.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein said body, when said device fits snugly against at least one coupling means, creates an environmental seal preventing the passage of dust, fluids, gases, and other contaminants through the connector.
3. The device of claim 1 wherein said body exerts compressive forces on said contact to push said contact against said at least one coupling means.
4. The device of claim 1 wherein said circuit means are suspended within said body.
5. The device of claim 1 wherein said electrical interconnects comprise slack.
6. The device of claim 1 wherein said electrical interconnects comprise stretchable conductors.
7. The device of claim 1 wherein said body changes shape and dimension by being flexible, distensible, and compressible.
8. The device of claim 1 wherein said body comprises an elastomer.
9. The device of claim 1 wherein said body comprises one or more material selected from the group consisting of silicone, RTV
silicone, heat-cured silicone, two-part silicone, latex and rubber.
silicone, heat-cured silicone, two-part silicone, latex and rubber.
10. The device of claim 1 wherein said body comprises one or more materials selected from the group consisting of clays, gums, and foam rubbers.
11. The device of claim 1 wherein said contact means shift position due to said changes in said body to accommodate out of alignment coupling means.
12. The device of claim 1 wherein a diameter of said body is approximately 5% to 15% greater than an inner diameter of the connector.
13. The device of claim 1 wherein said contact means comprises conductive wire or ribbon.
14. The device of claim 1 additionally comprising external contact means disposed on an edge of said body, wherein at least one of said external contact means connects said circuit means to an outer shell of the connector.
15. The device of claim 1 wherein said circuit means comprises means for filtering electromagnetic interference.
16. The device of claim 15 wherein said circuit means comprises a network of ground buses electrically connecting a plurality of chip capacitors to an outer shell of the connector, each of said chip capacitors being electrically connected to one of said contact means.
17. The device of claim 1 wherein said circuit means comprises means for limiting electrical transients.
18. The device of claim 1 wherein said circuit means comprises electrical components selected from the group consisting of capacitors, resistors, MOV's, diodes, fuses, antifuses, shorting blocks, inductors, active electronic components and any combination thereof.
19. A device for adding and connecting circuit means to an electrical connector, said device comprising:
an electrically and mechanically insulative body that changes shape and dimension so that said device fits snugly against at least one coupling means;
circuit means suspended by said body and comprising electrical interconnects permitting components of said circuit means to move with respect to each other as said body changes shape;
and contact means interconnected with said circuit means and protruding from said body for making electrical connection to said at least one coupling means;
wherein an area of said body is approximately 5% to 15%
greater than an inner area of the connector.
an electrically and mechanically insulative body that changes shape and dimension so that said device fits snugly against at least one coupling means;
circuit means suspended by said body and comprising electrical interconnects permitting components of said circuit means to move with respect to each other as said body changes shape;
and contact means interconnected with said circuit means and protruding from said body for making electrical connection to said at least one coupling means;
wherein an area of said body is approximately 5% to 15%
greater than an inner area of the connector.
20. A device for adding and connecting circuit means to an electrical connector, said device comprising:
an electrically and mechanically insulative body that changes shape and dimension so that said device fits snugly against at least one coupling means;
circuit means suspended by said body and comprising electrical interconnects permitting components of said circuit means to move with respect to each other as said body changes shape;
contact means interconnected with said circuit means and protruding from said body for making electrical connection to said at least one coupling means; and external contact means disposed on an edge of said body, wherein at least one of said external contact means connects said circuit means to an outer shell of the connector.
an electrically and mechanically insulative body that changes shape and dimension so that said device fits snugly against at least one coupling means;
circuit means suspended by said body and comprising electrical interconnects permitting components of said circuit means to move with respect to each other as said body changes shape;
contact means interconnected with said circuit means and protruding from said body for making electrical connection to said at least one coupling means; and external contact means disposed on an edge of said body, wherein at least one of said external contact means connects said circuit means to an outer shell of the connector.
21. A device for adding and connecting circuit means to an electrical connector, said device comprising:
an electrically and mechanically insulative body that changes shape and dimension so that said device fits snugly against at least one coupling means;
circuit means suspended by said body and comprising electrical interconnects permitting components of said circuit means to move with respect to each other as said body changes shape;
and contact means interconnected with said circuit means and protruding from said body for making electrical connection to said at least one coupling means; and wherein said circuit means comprises a network of ground buses electrically connecting a plurality of chip capacitors to an outer shell of the connector, each of said chip capacitors being electrically connected to one of said contact means.
an electrically and mechanically insulative body that changes shape and dimension so that said device fits snugly against at least one coupling means;
circuit means suspended by said body and comprising electrical interconnects permitting components of said circuit means to move with respect to each other as said body changes shape;
and contact means interconnected with said circuit means and protruding from said body for making electrical connection to said at least one coupling means; and wherein said circuit means comprises a network of ground buses electrically connecting a plurality of chip capacitors to an outer shell of the connector, each of said chip capacitors being electrically connected to one of said contact means.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US08/369,377 US5686697A (en) | 1995-01-06 | 1995-01-06 | Electrical circuit suspension system |
| US08/369,377 | 1995-01-06 | ||
| PCT/US1996/000159 WO1996021245A1 (en) | 1995-01-06 | 1996-01-04 | Electrical circuit suspension system |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2209660A1 CA2209660A1 (en) | 1996-07-11 |
| CA2209660C true CA2209660C (en) | 2001-12-18 |
Family
ID=23455218
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002209660A Expired - Fee Related CA2209660C (en) | 1995-01-06 | 1996-01-04 | Electrical circuit suspension system |
Country Status (8)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (2) | US5686697A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0801815B1 (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE272250T1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU4654196A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2209660C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE69633001T2 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES2225867T3 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1996021245A1 (en) |
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-
1995
- 1995-01-06 US US08/369,377 patent/US5686697A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1996
- 1996-01-04 AU AU46541/96A patent/AU4654196A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1996-01-04 DE DE69633001T patent/DE69633001T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1996-01-04 EP EP96902103A patent/EP0801815B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1996-01-04 CA CA002209660A patent/CA2209660C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1996-01-04 ES ES96902103T patent/ES2225867T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1996-01-04 WO PCT/US1996/000159 patent/WO1996021245A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1996-01-04 AT AT96902103T patent/ATE272250T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
1997
- 1997-08-27 US US08/919,934 patent/US6613979B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| ES2225867T3 (en) | 2005-03-16 |
| EP0801815B1 (en) | 2004-07-28 |
| DE69633001T2 (en) | 2005-08-04 |
| US6613979B1 (en) | 2003-09-02 |
| AU4654196A (en) | 1996-07-24 |
| EP0801815A1 (en) | 1997-10-22 |
| ATE272250T1 (en) | 2004-08-15 |
| CA2209660A1 (en) | 1996-07-11 |
| WO1996021245A1 (en) | 1996-07-11 |
| DE69633001D1 (en) | 2004-09-02 |
| US5686697A (en) | 1997-11-11 |
| EP0801815A4 (en) | 1998-08-19 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20160104 |
|
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20160104 |