Electrical connectors – Preformed panel circuit arrangement – e.g. – pcb – icm – dip,... – With provision to conduct electricity from panel circuit to...
Reexamination Certificate
2000-06-22
2001-10-16
Patel, Tulsidas (Department: 2839)
Electrical connectors
Preformed panel circuit arrangement, e.g., pcb, icm, dip,...
With provision to conduct electricity from panel circuit to...
Reexamination Certificate
active
06302705
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to electrical connectors, and more particular to electrical connectors for coupling circuits on printed circuit boards.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
Many computing devices, such as desktop computers, workstations, main-frame and super-computers employ multiple printed circuit boards (“PCB”) that include various microprocessors, printed circuits and other components that must be electrically coupled together to transmit data and/or power. The electrical traces on one or more layers of the PCB form the printed circuits and typically terminate in one or more terminals or contacts for making connections. Every decreasing element sizes, such a pitch (i.e., the spacing between successive components), width, and height, exacerbate the problem of providing secure and reliable connections between the printed circuits. Precise positioning on the order of thousandths of an inch is often necessary. Consistent pressure across each of the many contacts is also desirable to assure a reliable connection. A single failed or intermittent connection can result in large amounts of “down-time” for the computing device, and costly troubleshooting by highly skilled technicians.
Highly parallel processing super-computers present a particularly significant problem in terms of space constraints. Super computers rely on a high number of connections between circuit boards that each carry one or more microprocessors. The nature of parallel processing places high demands on the timing of signals, including clock signals across the various computer components. The PCBs are spaced relatively close together to reduce the length of the connections between the PCBs in an effort to improve the timing of the signals. The tight spacing hinders the ability of technicians to access particular computer components, such as the PCBs and electrical connectors. This presents a particular problem to computer manufacturers and owners who desire a modular design that permits failed components to be quickly and easily replaced. If serviceable, a modular design would also permit the addition of new or additional processors as desired, for example when more processing power is required or when the processors become more affordable. This could significantly extend the life of the computing device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to principles of the present invention, a supporting member extends between a pair of mechanical connectors that are coupled to a pair of printed circuit boards. The support member is adjacent a flexible electrical conductor to provide mechanical support to the electrical wiring. The support member significantly limits rotation or twisting of the flexible electrical conductor. According to one embodiment, the supporting member is curved or cambered to permit the mechanical connectors to be rotated with respect to one another, while limiting rotation of the electrical conductor.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4116516 (1978-09-01), Griffin
patent: 4894015 (1990-01-01), Stockero et al.
patent: 5186638 (1993-02-01), Pusch
patent: 5195897 (1993-03-01), Kent et al.
patent: 6017222 (2000-01-01), Kao
patent: 6027366 (2000-02-01), Mori et al.
patent: 6053747 (2000-04-01), Aggus et al.
Jaena Mario L.
Yatskov Alexander I.
Cray Inc.
Patel Tulsidas
Seed IP Law Group PLLC
LandOfFree
Electrical circuit connector with support does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Electrical circuit connector with support, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Electrical circuit connector with support will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2590028