US20040224542A1 - Elastomeric electrical connector - Google Patents
Elastomeric electrical connector Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20040224542A1 US20040224542A1 US10/861,764 US86176404A US2004224542A1 US 20040224542 A1 US20040224542 A1 US 20040224542A1 US 86176404 A US86176404 A US 86176404A US 2004224542 A1 US2004224542 A1 US 2004224542A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- retainer
- assembly
- elastomeric material
- wiring board
- concentric conductors
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- 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
- H05K1/14—Structural association of two or more printed circuits
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R39/00—Rotary current collectors, distributors or interrupters
- H01R39/64—Devices for uninterrupted current collection
Definitions
- Rotary electrical connectors are used in a variety of applications where one part must mechanically rotate with respect to another part while retaining an electrical connection between the two. Where the required extent of rotation is small, typically less than one complete revolution, hardwired electrical connections can be used. However, hardwired connections can be difficult and expensive to make, especially where such connections must be made at remote locations or in confined spaces.
- Mohi Sobhani addresses some of the foregoing problems in his patent entitled “Rotary Electrical Connector,” U.S. Pat. No. 5,588,843. That patent describes an electrical connector that includes two planar connector members positioned perpendicular to an axis of rotation and supported in rotational facing relation. One of the connector members has a set of concentric tracks, and the other has a corresponding set of protrusions positioned to contact the tracks. The two connector members are urged together by a spring so that the concentric tracts remain in electrical contact with the protrusions.
- a second patent to Sobhani, U.S. Pat. No. 5,690,498, entitled “Spring Loaded Rotary Connector,” teaches a similar connector in which the protrusions are replaced with dimples. Both of the foregoing Sobhani patents are incorporated herein by reference.
- the present invention is directed to a robust, inexpensive and rotatable electrical connector.
- the connecter is used in conjunction with other parts to create a system of interconnected electrical components in which the individual components are easily removed for repair or to change the functionality of the system.
- the inventive electrical connector includes a pair of wiring boards (e.g., printed-circuit boards) that each includes, on one side, two or more concentric conductors.
- the opposite sides of the two wiring boards include contacts that are electrically connected through the respective boards to the concentric conductors.
- Each wiring board is held in place by a respective connector support. Contact is established between the two wiring boards when the supports are positioned so that the concentric conductors on the wiring boards face one another and are brought into electrical contact.
- This contact can be direct or through other components.
- one embodiment includes a conductive elastomeric member between the wiring boards to allow some tolerance to ensure adequate conductive contact between opposing concentric conductors in the event that the wiring boards are not exactly parallel.
- a spring or other elastic member urging one wiring board against the other supplies this tolerance.
- the above-described wiring boards are used to advantage in a novel circuit module.
- the circuit module includes a printed circuit board, or other electrical component, sandwiched between a pair of wiring boards.
- the concentric conductors of the wiring boards face away from the electrical component so that the circuit module can be assembled in series with other modules much as batteries are assembled inside a flashlight.
- This simple configuration allows for easy assembly of systems that include circuit modules configured in accordance with the present invention, and further allows for easy substitution of modules within such systems.
- FIGS. 1A and 1B are plan views of a wiring board 100 ;
- FIG. 2 depicts an electrical connector 200 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 3 depicts a connector support 300 in which a cable 310 is connected to wiring board 100 of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 4 depicts a conductive member 400 that may be disposed between a pair of wiring boards 100 ;
- FIG. 5 is a cutaway view of a connector support 500 ;
- FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a system 600 configured in accordance with the present invention.
- FIGS. 1A and 1B are plan views of a wiring board 100 configured in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 1A depicts a surface 110 of wiring board 100 that supports four concentric conductors 120 A-D;
- FIG. 1B depicts the opposite surface 130 of wiring board 100 , which supports four electrical contacts 140 A-D.
- wiring board 100 includes four conductive elements 150 A-D, each of which penetrates wiring board 100 to provide electrical contact between corresponding ones of conductive elements 120 A-D and electrical contacts 140 A-D.
- Wiring board 100 can be formed by any of a number of conventional printed-circuit board manufacturing processes. However, wiring board 100 is not limited to printed circuit boards. An example of a different but acceptable configuration is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,590,337, to Engelmore, entitled “Rotatable Electrical Connector For Coiled Telephone Cords,” which is incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments electrical conductors 120 A-D and electrical contacts 140 A-D are gold plated to prevent oxidation and to reduce contact resistance.
- FIG. 2 depicts an electrical connector 200 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- Connector 200 includes a pair of wiring boards 100 A and 100 B.
- wiring boards 100 A and 100 B are identical to wiring board 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B, like-numbered elements being the same.
- the surfaces of concentric conductors 120 A-D of wiring board 100 B form a contact plane 205 opposite a similar contact plane (not shown) defined by the concentric conductors of wiring board 10 A.
- Wiring boards 100 A and 100 B need not be identical, but may be configured in any manner desired for a given application. Such adaptations are well within the skill of those in the art.
- Wiring board 100 A is solder-mounted to a connector support 210 , a PC board in the depicted embodiment, via a number of edge-mounted pads 220 A-D, each of which corresponds to a respective one of electrical contacts 140 A-D.
- wiring board 100 A is similarly mounted to a second connector support 230 positioned in parallel with connector support 210 . Both connector supports 210 and 230 are substantially orthogonal to wiring board 100 A.
- wiring board 100 B is solder-mounted to a pair of connector supports 240 and 242 via a number of edge-mounted pads (not shown). Also like wiring board 10 A, connector supports 240 and 242 are each mounted orthogonal to wiring board 100 B.
- the configuration of connector 200 provides physically robust connections between wiring boards 100 A and 100 B and their respective supports. These robust connections allow for significant compressive force between wiring boards 100 A and 100 B to ensure adequate electrical contact between respective concentric conductors. As discussed below in connection with FIG. 6, this configuration allows components, such as the PC boards that make up connector supports 210 , 230 , 240 , 242 , to be stacked end-to-end, much like batteries in a flashlight, to create relatively complex circuits with easily substituted individual components.
- soldering wiring boards 100 A and 100 B to their respective connector supports 240 and 242 provides robust, low-impedance electrical connections.
- other types of connections may be used.
- wiring board 100 A might be equipped with conventional conductive clips that mate with edge-mounted pads 220 A-D.
- Many other connector configurations will be obvious to those of skill in the art.
- Conductive elements 150 A-D are typically through holes internally coated with metal.
- center conductive element 150 D is configured to receive a corresponding pin extending from the center of the opposite wiring board. This configuration ensures that the opposing wiring boards remain properly aligned along the same rotational axis.
- a concentric screw in one wiring board mates with a threaded concentric hole in the opposite wiring board.
- components equipped with connectors configured in accordance with the invention can be threaded onto a concentric rod, much like beads on a string. The threaded components can then be urged against one another to ensure good electrical connections between them.
- Connector support 210 includes a surface-mounted integrated circuit 250 .
- one leg 252 of circuit 250 is connected to pad 220 D via a trace 255 .
- circuit 250 is a portion of a circuit component such as an amplifier; however, circuit 250 may be any of myriad conventional integrated circuits or components that may be used for selected applications.
- Connector supports 240 and 242 are shown to include respective integrated circuits 260 and 265 that are mounted using leads that extend through the respective circuit boards.
- FIG. 3 depicts a connector support 300 in which a cable 310 is connected to surface 130 (see FIG. 1) of wiring board 100 .
- cable 310 is threaded through an end cap 315 , a compression fitting 320 , an O-ring 325 , a cable body 330 , and a second O-ring 335 .
- the assembler then ties a knot 340 in cable 310 to secure an end of cable 310 within cable body 330 .
- the assembler should strip the outer insulation from cable 310 and then the individual insulation off of each of internal wires 350 .
- Each of internal wires 350 is connected to a respective one of conductive elements 140 A-D (See FIG.
- a dedicated insertion tool 342 made by modifying a conventional screwdriver as shown in FIG. 3, simplifies the process of inserting compression fitting 320 .
- the end of insertion tool 342 mates with a slot 344 in the end of compression fitting 320 , allowing the assembler to turn compression fitting 320 inside cable body 330 . This action compresses O-ring 325 between compression fitting 320 and the seat in cable body 330 to create a watertight seal.
- a pair of O-rings 355 and 360 provides a watertight seal between cable body 330 and a cylindrical housing that will be described in more detail in connection with FIG. 6. Threads 365 are provided on the outside of cable body 330 to mate with the cylindrical housing.
- wiring board 100 includes a peripheral tab that mates with a slot (not shown) in cable body 330 to keep wiring board 100 from rotating inside cable body 330 . Such rotation can also be avoided by employing a wiring board that is not round.
- FIG. 4 depicts a conductive member 400 .
- conductive member 400 may be disposed between surface 110 of wiring board 110 B and the opposing surface (not shown) of wiring board 10 A.
- Conductive member 400 includes a dielectric retainer 410 with a slot 420 .
- a piece of anisotropic elastomeric material 430 is pressed into slot 420 .
- Material 430 conducts electricity in a direction perpendicular to the flat surfaces of retainer 410 but does not conduct electricity in a direction parallel to the long dimension of slot 420 .
- material 430 provides electrical contact between opposite respective concentric conductors when sandwiched between 110 B first and second contact planes, the conductive member configured to maintain electrical contact between opposing surfaces of wiring boards 100 A and 100 B without shorting adjacent concentric conductors on either of wiring boards 100 A and 100 B.
- Elastomeric material suitable for use in conductive member 400 is available from Fujipoli of Cranford, N.J., under the trademark ZebraTM.
- Conductive member 400 advantageously provides a wiping action when wiring boards 100 A and 100 B are brought into rotational contact.
- the resilience of conductive material 430 creates some tolerance that ensures adequate conductive contact between wiring boards 100 A and 100 B in the event that wiring boards 100 A and 100 B are not exactly parallel.
- Conductive member 400 can be aligned with adjacent wiring boards by encompassing them in a common cylinder or by using a concentric pin, rod, or screw. These and other methods of maintaining the appropriate alignment can easily be implemented by those of skill in the art.
- FIG. 5 is a cutaway view of a connector support 500 .
- connector support 500 includes wiring board 100 as described above in connection with FIGS. 1A and 1B.
- Wiring board 100 is snapped into a connector body 510 and held in place by a lip 520 .
- a spring 530 within connector body 510 urges wiring board 100 against lip 520 .
- Wires or components can be connected from within connector body 510 to conductive elements 140 A-D of wiring board 100 (FIG. 1B).
- wiring board 100 includes a peripheral tab that mates with a corresponding slot in connector body 510 to keep wiring board 100 from rotating inside connector body 510 .
- Connector body 510 also includes a slot 540 running parallel to the long dimension of connector body 510 .
- This slot provides an avenue for a protrusion on the inside of a cylindrical housing that is slipped over connector body 510 during the assembly process.
- the protrusion mates with threads 550 to join the housing with connector support 500 .
- a pair of O-rings 555 and 560 provides a watertight seal between connector support 500 and the cylindrical housing, which will be described in detail in connection with FIG. 6.
- FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a system 600 configured in accordance with the present invention.
- System 600 includes a pair of circuit modules 610 and 620 disposed between connector supports 300 and 500 of FIGS. 3 and 5, respectively.
- Conductive member 400 is disposed between opposite wiring boards (e.g., wiring boards 100 A and 100 B of respective circuit modules 610 and 620 ).
- System 600 is completed when a component housing 630 , typically a stainless-steel tube, is threaded onto each of connector supports 300 and 500 .
- a pair of dimples 640 and 645 pressed into the side of component housing 630 , create corresponding protrusions on the inside surface of component housing 630 . These protrusions mate with threads 550 and 365 to secure connector supports 300 and 500 to component housing 630 .
- spring 530 exerts a compressive force on the stack of circuit components that includes circuit modules 610 and 620 and conductive members 400 .
- This compressive force ensures excellent electrical contact between opposing wiring boards.
- the radial symmetry of the concentric conductors on the respective wiring boards allows system 600 to be assembled using screw-type couplings, although other types of couplings may also be used.
- the various wiring boards remain stationary with respect to one another under normal operating conditions.
- circuit module 610 and 620 can be virtually any type of electrical circuit.
- circuit module 610 might be a preamplifier and circuit module 620 an analog-to-digital converter. Being arranged as they are, components 610 and 620 can be removed and replaced as easily as batteries in a flashlight.
- component housing 630 can be substituted with a longer or shorter housing to accommodate more or fewer electrical components or to accommodate components of different sizes. Dummy components can be inserted to allow room for future additions. For example, a particular system may be adapted for use where no power supply is readily available by substituting a dummy component with a battery pack configured with connectors in accordance with the present invention.
- System 600 can support a number of applications.
- System 600 includes a sensor 650 that may be attached to connector support 500 using any conventional connection method suitable for a given application.
- Sensor 600 may be, for example, an ion sensor for monitoring ground water, a thermometer, a microphone, a video camera, or any of a variety of other conventional transducers.
- sensor 650 is a pH sensor for monitoring groundwater acidity or alkalinity
- circuit module 620 is a differential amplifier configured to amplify an output signal from sensor 650
- circuit module 610 is a transmitter that accepts signals from the amplifier and transmits those signals through cable 310 .
- the order and orientation of the various modules can be critical to system function and to avoid damage. Some systems may therefore include modules that can only be installed in a particular orientation, thus ensuring that the systems cannot be assembled improperly.
- the wiring board 100 D of system 600 is smaller in diameter than wiring board 100 B so that circuit module 620 cannot contact wiring board 100 E should circuit module 620 be installed backwards.
- Other keying methods will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art.
- each pair of opposing wiring boards may be provided with some form of conductive member, or with no conductive member.
- each of the elements described in the foregoing Figures can be made from various materials and by various methods.
- end cap 315 , cable body 330 , and connector body 510 can be machined from a plastic, such as DelrinTM.
- DelrinTM a plastic
- system 600 is not limited to sensor applications; wiring board 100 may include a greater or lesser number of concentric conductors; circuit modules, such as circuit modules 610 and 620 , can be made to snap together and to other modules and supports; and connector body 300 may be used in conjunction with another similar connector body with or without intermediate electrical components.
- circuit modules such as circuit modules 610 and 620
- connector body 300 may be used in conjunction with another similar connector body with or without intermediate electrical components.
Abstract
A connector assembly includes a retainer with a slot that supports a strip of elastomeric material. The elastomeric material conducts electricity in one direction, through the retainer, but does not conduct electricity in a second direction along the strip and parallel to a surface of the retainer. In one embodiment, the connector assembly is disposed between a circuit board having first and second electrical contacts and a wiring board having first and second concentric conductors. The elastomeric material conducts electrical signals between the first electrical contact and the first of the concentric conductors and between the second electrical contact and the second of the concentric conductors. The connector assembly is not sensitive to orientation, and is thus easily assembled.
Description
- Rotary electrical connectors are used in a variety of applications where one part must mechanically rotate with respect to another part while retaining an electrical connection between the two. Where the required extent of rotation is small, typically less than one complete revolution, hardwired electrical connections can be used. However, hardwired connections can be difficult and expensive to make, especially where such connections must be made at remote locations or in confined spaces.
- For larger required rotations, on the order of several revolutions, wraparound wire arrangements are available. In other instances, the connector must permit an arbitrarily large extent of rotation. In such a connector, electrical connection must be maintained, and the mode of connection cannot hinder the rotational movement. For these applications, the most common type of connector is a slip ring system. A plurality of slip rings in side-by-side arrangement extends along the length of a rotating shaft. Stationary brushes make contact to the individual slip rings. Unfortunately, such systems are typically expensive, due to the number of parts, and can be too bulky for some applications.
- Mohi Sobhani addresses some of the foregoing problems in his patent entitled “Rotary Electrical Connector,” U.S. Pat. No. 5,588,843. That patent describes an electrical connector that includes two planar connector members positioned perpendicular to an axis of rotation and supported in rotational facing relation. One of the connector members has a set of concentric tracks, and the other has a corresponding set of protrusions positioned to contact the tracks. The two connector members are urged together by a spring so that the concentric tracts remain in electrical contact with the protrusions. A second patent to Sobhani, U.S. Pat. No. 5,690,498, entitled “Spring Loaded Rotary Connector,” teaches a similar connector in which the protrusions are replaced with dimples. Both of the foregoing Sobhani patents are incorporated herein by reference.
- The Sobhani connectors work well in many applications. However, the complexity of making the protrusions or dimples increases the cost of making the connectors. Further, such connectors can be sensitive to shock, which can damage the protrusions or dimples. There is therefore a need for a more robust and less expensive means of providing rotational electrical contact.
- The present invention is directed to a robust, inexpensive and rotatable electrical connector. In accordance with the invention, the connecter is used in conjunction with other parts to create a system of interconnected electrical components in which the individual components are easily removed for repair or to change the functionality of the system.
- The inventive electrical connector includes a pair of wiring boards (e.g., printed-circuit boards) that each includes, on one side, two or more concentric conductors. The opposite sides of the two wiring boards include contacts that are electrically connected through the respective boards to the concentric conductors.
- Each wiring board is held in place by a respective connector support. Contact is established between the two wiring boards when the supports are positioned so that the concentric conductors on the wiring boards face one another and are brought into electrical contact. This contact can be direct or through other components. For example, one embodiment includes a conductive elastomeric member between the wiring boards to allow some tolerance to ensure adequate conductive contact between opposing concentric conductors in the event that the wiring boards are not exactly parallel. In other embodiments, a spring or other elastic member urging one wiring board against the other supplies this tolerance.
- The above-described wiring boards are used to advantage in a novel circuit module. The circuit module includes a printed circuit board, or other electrical component, sandwiched between a pair of wiring boards. The concentric conductors of the wiring boards face away from the electrical component so that the circuit module can be assembled in series with other modules much as batteries are assembled inside a flashlight. This simple configuration allows for easy assembly of systems that include circuit modules configured in accordance with the present invention, and further allows for easy substitution of modules within such systems.
- FIGS. 1A and 1B are plan views of a
wiring board 100; - FIG. 2 depicts an
electrical connector 200 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; - FIG. 3 depicts a
connector support 300 in which acable 310 is connected towiring board 100 of FIG. 1; - FIG. 4 depicts a
conductive member 400 that may be disposed between a pair ofwiring boards 100; - FIG. 5 is a cutaway view of a
connector support 500; and - FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a
system 600 configured in accordance with the present invention. - FIGS. 1A and 1B are plan views of a
wiring board 100 configured in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 1A depicts asurface 110 ofwiring board 100 that supports fourconcentric conductors 120A-D; FIG. 1B depicts theopposite surface 130 ofwiring board 100, which supports fourelectrical contacts 140A-D. Finally,wiring board 100 includes fourconductive elements 150A-D, each of which penetrateswiring board 100 to provide electrical contact between corresponding ones ofconductive elements 120A-D andelectrical contacts 140A-D. -
Wiring board 100 can be formed by any of a number of conventional printed-circuit board manufacturing processes. However,wiring board 100 is not limited to printed circuit boards. An example of a different but acceptable configuration is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,590,337, to Engelmore, entitled “Rotatable Electrical Connector For Coiled Telephone Cords,” which is incorporated herein by reference. In some embodimentselectrical conductors 120A-D andelectrical contacts 140A-D are gold plated to prevent oxidation and to reduce contact resistance. - FIG. 2 depicts an
electrical connector 200 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.Connector 200 includes a pair ofwiring boards wiring boards wiring board 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B, like-numbered elements being the same. The surfaces ofconcentric conductors 120A-D ofwiring board 100B form acontact plane 205 opposite a similar contact plane (not shown) defined by the concentric conductors of wiring board 10A.Wiring boards -
Wiring board 100A is solder-mounted to aconnector support 210, a PC board in the depicted embodiment, via a number of edge-mountedpads 220A-D, each of which corresponds to a respective one ofelectrical contacts 140A-D. In the depicted embodiment,wiring board 100A is similarly mounted to asecond connector support 230 positioned in parallel withconnector support 210. Both connector supports 210 and 230 are substantially orthogonal towiring board 100A. - Like wiring board10A,
wiring board 100B is solder-mounted to a pair of connector supports 240 and 242 via a number of edge-mounted pads (not shown). Also like wiring board 10A, connector supports 240 and 242 are each mounted orthogonal towiring board 100B. The configuration ofconnector 200 provides physically robust connections betweenwiring boards wiring boards -
Soldering wiring boards wiring board 100A might be equipped with conventional conductive clips that mate with edge-mountedpads 220A-D. Many other connector configurations will be obvious to those of skill in the art. -
Conductive elements 150A-D are typically through holes internally coated with metal. In one embodiment, centerconductive element 150D is configured to receive a corresponding pin extending from the center of the opposite wiring board. This configuration ensures that the opposing wiring boards remain properly aligned along the same rotational axis. In another embodiment, a concentric screw in one wiring board mates with a threaded concentric hole in the opposite wiring board. In still other embodiments, components equipped with connectors configured in accordance with the invention can be threaded onto a concentric rod, much like beads on a string. The threaded components can then be urged against one another to ensure good electrical connections between them. -
Connector support 210 includes a surface-mountedintegrated circuit 250. For illustrative purposes, oneleg 252 ofcircuit 250 is connected to pad 220D via atrace 255. In one embodiment,circuit 250 is a portion of a circuit component such as an amplifier; however,circuit 250 may be any of myriad conventional integrated circuits or components that may be used for selected applications. Connector supports 240 and 242 are shown to include respectiveintegrated circuits - FIG. 3 depicts a
connector support 300 in which acable 310 is connected to surface 130 (see FIG. 1) ofwiring board 100. To assembleconnector 300,cable 310 is threaded through anend cap 315, acompression fitting 320, an O-ring 325, acable body 330, and a second O-ring 335. The assembler then ties aknot 340 incable 310 to secure an end ofcable 310 withincable body 330. Next, the assembler should strip the outer insulation fromcable 310 and then the individual insulation off of each ofinternal wires 350. Each ofinternal wires 350 is connected to a respective one ofconductive elements 140A-D (See FIG. 1), andwiring board 100 is then snapped in place. Finally,cable 310 is then pulled tight against the necked-down portion ofcable body 330 before tightening compression fitting 320 to compress O-ring 325 aroundcable 310. Adedicated insertion tool 342, made by modifying a conventional screwdriver as shown in FIG. 3, simplifies the process of insertingcompression fitting 320. The end ofinsertion tool 342 mates with aslot 344 in the end of compression fitting 320, allowing the assembler to turn compression fitting 320inside cable body 330. This action compresses O-ring 325 between compression fitting 320 and the seat incable body 330 to create a watertight seal. - A pair of O-
rings cable body 330 and a cylindrical housing that will be described in more detail in connection with FIG. 6.Threads 365 are provided on the outside ofcable body 330 to mate with the cylindrical housing. In one embodiment,wiring board 100 includes a peripheral tab that mates with a slot (not shown) incable body 330 to keep wiringboard 100 from rotating insidecable body 330. Such rotation can also be avoided by employing a wiring board that is not round. - FIG. 4 depicts a
conductive member 400. Referring to FIG. 2,conductive member 400 may be disposed betweensurface 110 of wiring board 110B and the opposing surface (not shown) of wiring board 10A.Conductive member 400 includes adielectric retainer 410 with aslot 420. A piece of anisotropicelastomeric material 430 is pressed intoslot 420.Material 430 conducts electricity in a direction perpendicular to the flat surfaces ofretainer 410 but does not conduct electricity in a direction parallel to the long dimension ofslot 420. Thus,material 430 provides electrical contact between opposite respective concentric conductors when sandwiched between 110B first and second contact planes, the conductive member configured to maintain electrical contact between opposing surfaces ofwiring boards wiring boards conductive member 400 is available from Fujipoli of Cranford, N.J., under the trademark Zebra™. -
Conductive member 400 advantageously provides a wiping action when wiringboards conductive material 430 creates some tolerance that ensures adequate conductive contact betweenwiring boards wiring boards Conductive member 400 can be aligned with adjacent wiring boards by encompassing them in a common cylinder or by using a concentric pin, rod, or screw. These and other methods of maintaining the appropriate alignment can easily be implemented by those of skill in the art. - FIG. 5 is a cutaway view of a
connector support 500. In accordance with the invention,connector support 500 includeswiring board 100 as described above in connection with FIGS. 1A and 1B.Wiring board 100 is snapped into aconnector body 510 and held in place by alip 520. Aspring 530 withinconnector body 510 urges wiringboard 100 againstlip 520. Wires or components (not shown) can be connected from withinconnector body 510 toconductive elements 140A-D of wiring board 100 (FIG. 1B). In one embodiment,wiring board 100 includes a peripheral tab that mates with a corresponding slot inconnector body 510 to keep wiringboard 100 from rotating insideconnector body 510. -
Connector body 510 also includes aslot 540 running parallel to the long dimension ofconnector body 510. This slot provides an avenue for a protrusion on the inside of a cylindrical housing that is slipped overconnector body 510 during the assembly process. The protrusion mates withthreads 550 to join the housing withconnector support 500. A pair of O-rings connector support 500 and the cylindrical housing, which will be described in detail in connection with FIG. 6. - FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a
system 600 configured in accordance with the present invention.System 600 includes a pair ofcircuit modules Conductive member 400 is disposed between opposite wiring boards (e.g.,wiring boards respective circuit modules 610 and 620).System 600 is completed when acomponent housing 630, typically a stainless-steel tube, is threaded onto each of connector supports 300 and 500. A pair ofdimples component housing 630, create corresponding protrusions on the inside surface ofcomponent housing 630. These protrusions mate withthreads component housing 630. - Once
system 600 is assembled,spring 530 exerts a compressive force on the stack of circuit components that includescircuit modules conductive members 400. This compressive force ensures excellent electrical contact between opposing wiring boards. Moreover, the radial symmetry of the concentric conductors on the respective wiring boards allowssystem 600 to be assembled using screw-type couplings, although other types of couplings may also be used. The various wiring boards remain stationary with respect to one another under normal operating conditions. - Each
circuit module circuit module 610 might be a preamplifier andcircuit module 620 an analog-to-digital converter. Being arranged as they are,components component housing 630 can be substituted with a longer or shorter housing to accommodate more or fewer electrical components or to accommodate components of different sizes. Dummy components can be inserted to allow room for future additions. For example, a particular system may be adapted for use where no power supply is readily available by substituting a dummy component with a battery pack configured with connectors in accordance with the present invention. -
System 600 can support a number of applications. In the embodiment of FIG. 6,System 600 includes asensor 650 that may be attached toconnector support 500 using any conventional connection method suitable for a given application.Sensor 600 may be, for example, an ion sensor for monitoring ground water, a thermometer, a microphone, a video camera, or any of a variety of other conventional transducers. In one embodiment,sensor 650 is a pH sensor for monitoring groundwater acidity or alkalinity,circuit module 620 is a differential amplifier configured to amplify an output signal fromsensor 650, andcircuit module 610 is a transmitter that accepts signals from the amplifier and transmits those signals throughcable 310. - The order and orientation of the various modules can be critical to system function and to avoid damage. Some systems may therefore include modules that can only be installed in a particular orientation, thus ensuring that the systems cannot be assembled improperly. In one embodiment, for example, the
wiring board 100D ofsystem 600 is smaller in diameter than wiringboard 100B so thatcircuit module 620 cannot contactwiring board 100E shouldcircuit module 620 be installed backwards. Other keying methods will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art. - The types of connections illustrated in FIG. 6 are illustrative and not limiting. For example, each pair of opposing wiring boards may be provided with some form of conductive member, or with no conductive member. Further, unless otherwise specified, each of the elements described in the foregoing Figures can be made from various materials and by various methods. For Example,
end cap 315,cable body 330, andconnector body 510 can be machined from a plastic, such as Delrin™. The selections of materials and manufacturing techniques, dictated chiefly by particular applications and economic considerations, are well within the ability of those of skill in the art. - While the present invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments, variations of these embodiments will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example,
system 600 is not limited to sensor applications;wiring board 100 may include a greater or lesser number of concentric conductors; circuit modules, such ascircuit modules connector body 300 may be used in conjunction with another similar connector body with or without intermediate electrical components. Still other variations will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the foregoing description.
Claims (26)
1. An assembly comprising:
a. a retainer having:
i. a first retainer surface;
ii. a second retainer surface; and
iii. a slot extending through the retainer in a first direction normal to the first retainer surface and extending in a second direction parallel to the first retainer surface; and
b. elastomeric material disposed within the slot, wherein the elastomeric material conducts electricity through the retainer in the first direction normal to the first retainer surface and does not conduct electricity in the second direction parallel to the first retainer surface.
2. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first and second surfaces are parallel.
3. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the retainer is round from a perspective normal to the first retainer surface.
4. The assembly of claim 3 , wherein the slot extends along a diameter of the retainer.
5. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the retainer comprises a dielectric.
6. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the dielectric is a plastic.
7. The assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a wiring board having first and second concentric conductors adjacent the first retainer surface and in electrical contact with the elastomeric material.
8. The assembly of claim 7 , further comprising a sensor coupled to the first and second concentric conductors.
9. The assembly of claim 8 , wherein the sensor is a microphone.
10. The assembly of claim 9 , further comprising a housing within which is disposed the microphone, the retainer, and the elastomeric material.
11. The assembly of claim 10 , wherein the housing defines a cylinder.
12. The assembly of claim 7 , further comprising a circuit board having first and second electrical contacts adjacent the second retainer surface and in electrical contact with the respective first and second concentric conductors via the elastomeric material.
13. A microphone assembly comprising:
a. a housing;
b. a microphone disposed within the housing;
c. first and second concentric conductors electrically connected to the microphone;
d. a dielectric retainer having:
i. a retainer surface adjacent the first and second concentric conductors; and
ii. a slot extending through the retainer in a first direction normal to the first retainer surface and extending in a second direction parallel to the first retainer surface; and
e. elastomeric material disposed within the slot and conducting electricity through the dielectric retainer in the first direction normal to the first retainer surface and blocking electricity in the second direction parallel to the first retainer surface.
14. The assembly of claim 13 , wherein the retainer includes a second surface parallel to the first-mentioned retainer surface.
15. The assembly of claim 13 , wherein the dielectric retainer is round from a perspective normal to the retainer surface.
16. The assembly of claim 15 , wherein the slot extends along a diameter of retainer.
17. The assembly of claim 13 , wherein the dielectric retainer is a plastic.
18. The assembly of claim 13 , wherein the retainer includes a second retainer surface opposite the first-mentioned retainer surface, the assembly further comprising a circuit board having first and second electrical contacts adjacent the second retainer surface and in electrical contact with the respective first and second concentric conductors via the elastomeric material.
19. An assembly comprising:
a. a retainer having first and second surfaces;
b. a strip of elastomeric material extending along the first and second surfaces, wherein the elastomeric material conducts electricity through the retainer in a first direction normal to the first surface and does not conduct electricity in the second direction parallel to the first surface; and
c. a wiring board having first and second concentric conductors adjacent the first surface and in electrical contact with the strip of elastomeric material.
20. The assembly of claim 19 , wherein the retainer is round from a perspective of the first direction.
21. The assembly of claim 20 , wherein the retainer comprises a dielectric.
22. The assembly of claim 19 , wherein the retainer includes a slot, and wherein the strip of elastomeric material is disposed within the slot.
23. The assembly of claim 19 , further comprising a sensor coupled to the first and second concentric conductors.
24. The assembly of claim 23 , wherein the sensor is a microphone.
25. The assembly of claim 24 , further comprising a housing within which is disposed the microphone, the wiring board, and the elastomeric material.
26. The assembly of claim 19 , further comprising a circuit board having first and second electrical contacts adjacent the second surface and in electrical contact with the respective first and second concentric conductors via the elastomeric material.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/861,764 US20040224542A1 (en) | 1998-06-05 | 2004-06-03 | Elastomeric electrical connector |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/092,313 US6331117B1 (en) | 1998-06-05 | 1998-06-05 | Electrical component system with rotatable electrical contacts |
US09/943,265 US6612848B1 (en) | 1998-06-05 | 2001-08-29 | Electrical component system with rotatable electrical contacts |
US27817602A | 2002-10-21 | 2002-10-21 | |
US10/861,764 US20040224542A1 (en) | 1998-06-05 | 2004-06-03 | Elastomeric electrical connector |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US27817602A Continuation | 1998-06-05 | 2002-10-21 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20040224542A1 true US20040224542A1 (en) | 2004-11-11 |
Family
ID=22232653
Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/092,313 Expired - Lifetime US6331117B1 (en) | 1998-06-05 | 1998-06-05 | Electrical component system with rotatable electrical contacts |
US09/943,265 Expired - Fee Related US6612848B1 (en) | 1998-06-05 | 2001-08-29 | Electrical component system with rotatable electrical contacts |
US10/861,764 Abandoned US20040224542A1 (en) | 1998-06-05 | 2004-06-03 | Elastomeric electrical connector |
Family Applications Before (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/092,313 Expired - Lifetime US6331117B1 (en) | 1998-06-05 | 1998-06-05 | Electrical component system with rotatable electrical contacts |
US09/943,265 Expired - Fee Related US6612848B1 (en) | 1998-06-05 | 2001-08-29 | Electrical component system with rotatable electrical contacts |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (3) | US6331117B1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (19)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7892226B2 (en) * | 1995-03-20 | 2011-02-22 | Amo Development, Llc. | Method of corneal surgery by laser incising a contoured corneal flap |
US6331117B1 (en) * | 1998-06-05 | 2001-12-18 | Gary L. Brundage | Electrical component system with rotatable electrical contacts |
US6928864B1 (en) | 1999-09-30 | 2005-08-16 | In-Situ, Inc. | Tool assembly and monitoring applications using same |
SE515428C2 (en) * | 1999-12-03 | 2001-08-06 | Volvo Lastvagnar Ab | Steering column arrangement |
US20030202116A1 (en) * | 2002-04-24 | 2003-10-30 | Kuo-Liang Lin | Camera able to freely rotate with 306o |
US20070220741A1 (en) * | 2002-10-17 | 2007-09-27 | Ui Holding Co. | Cabeless interconnect system for pick and place machine |
US7071591B2 (en) * | 2003-01-02 | 2006-07-04 | Covi Technologies | Electromagnetic circuit and servo mechanism for articulated cameras |
US20040169434A1 (en) * | 2003-01-02 | 2004-09-02 | Washington Richard G. | Slip ring apparatus |
US6824394B1 (en) | 2003-07-01 | 2004-11-30 | Phionics, Inc. | Modular sensor systems with elastomeric connectors |
EP1984982A2 (en) * | 2006-02-09 | 2008-10-29 | LifeSync Corporation | Printed circuit connector |
US7946851B2 (en) * | 2008-06-02 | 2011-05-24 | Diamond-Roltran, Llc | Alternating cage coupler |
US7967609B2 (en) * | 2009-09-09 | 2011-06-28 | Plug Away, Inc. | System for connecting appliances to wall outlets |
US8079846B1 (en) | 2010-09-24 | 2011-12-20 | Mindray Ds Usa, Inc. | Rotatable electrical connector |
US10080853B2 (en) * | 2011-05-23 | 2018-09-25 | Boehringer Ingelheim International Gmbh | Nebulizer |
CN102610977B (en) * | 2012-02-28 | 2014-09-10 | 中航光电科技股份有限公司 | End surface contact type rotary electric connector |
JP6827042B2 (en) | 2015-10-27 | 2021-02-10 | フィッシャー コネクターズ ホールディング ソシエテ アノニム | Multi-pole connector |
US10116103B1 (en) * | 2017-12-17 | 2018-10-30 | Satyajit Patwardhan | Power connector with integrated disconnect |
WO2019193564A1 (en) | 2018-04-06 | 2019-10-10 | Fischer Connectors Holding S.A. | Multipolar connector |
US11616324B2 (en) | 2018-04-06 | 2023-03-28 | Conextivity Group Sa | Multipolar connector |
Citations (24)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3038138A (en) * | 1959-01-30 | 1962-06-05 | Engelhard Ind Inc | Collector ring assembly |
US3479632A (en) * | 1968-01-11 | 1969-11-18 | Gilbert V Galles | Movable support means |
US3599165A (en) * | 1970-03-02 | 1971-08-10 | Litton Precision Prod Inc | Rotary conductor |
US3972577A (en) * | 1974-09-23 | 1976-08-03 | Etat Francais Represented By Delegation Ministerielle Pour L'armement | Isobaric device with rotating electrical contacts |
US4590337A (en) * | 1984-11-28 | 1986-05-20 | Engelmore Anthony R | Rotatable electrical connector for coiled telephone cords |
US4904190A (en) * | 1988-10-03 | 1990-02-27 | Molex Incorporated | Electrical connector assembly for vehicular steering wheel |
US4988963A (en) * | 1989-02-23 | 1991-01-29 | Dx Antenna Company, Limited | High frequency coaxial line coupling device |
US5097515A (en) * | 1988-11-30 | 1992-03-17 | Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. | Electret condenser microphone |
US5173053A (en) * | 1991-11-26 | 1992-12-22 | Caterpillar Inc. | Electrical connector for an electromechanical device |
US5350308A (en) * | 1993-08-16 | 1994-09-27 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy | Elastomeric electrical connector |
US5363690A (en) * | 1992-09-30 | 1994-11-15 | Exidyne Instrumentation Technologies, Inc. | Gas detection apparatus |
US5399093A (en) * | 1994-02-01 | 1995-03-21 | Woods Industries, Inc. | Low profile rotatable electrical plug |
US5551882A (en) * | 1995-03-22 | 1996-09-03 | The Whitaker Corporation | Stackable connector |
US5588843A (en) * | 1994-12-08 | 1996-12-31 | Hughes Aircraft Company | Rotary electrical connector |
US5690498A (en) * | 1996-09-23 | 1997-11-25 | He Holdings, Inc | Spring loaded rotary connector |
US5704792A (en) * | 1995-05-22 | 1998-01-06 | Hughes Aircraft Company | Spring loaded rotary connector |
US5746606A (en) * | 1996-09-30 | 1998-05-05 | Hughes Electronics | Spring loaded contact device and rotary connector |
US5788516A (en) * | 1994-04-05 | 1998-08-04 | Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson | Elastomeric connector |
US5899753A (en) * | 1997-04-03 | 1999-05-04 | Raytheon Company | Spring-loaded ball contact connector |
US6000584A (en) * | 1997-01-07 | 1999-12-14 | Kopp; Volker | Gun for the production of adhesive foam |
US6018584A (en) * | 1996-11-06 | 2000-01-25 | Motorola, Inc. | Electronic component assembly for an electronic device and method of assembling the same |
US6305944B1 (en) * | 1999-09-30 | 2001-10-23 | Qwest Communications Int'l., Inc. | Electrical connector |
US6307946B1 (en) * | 1997-06-25 | 2001-10-23 | Fuji Polymer Industries Co., Ltd. | Miniature microphone component |
US6331117B1 (en) * | 1998-06-05 | 2001-12-18 | Gary L. Brundage | Electrical component system with rotatable electrical contacts |
-
1998
- 1998-06-05 US US09/092,313 patent/US6331117B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2001
- 2001-08-29 US US09/943,265 patent/US6612848B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2004
- 2004-06-03 US US10/861,764 patent/US20040224542A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (26)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3038138A (en) * | 1959-01-30 | 1962-06-05 | Engelhard Ind Inc | Collector ring assembly |
US3479632A (en) * | 1968-01-11 | 1969-11-18 | Gilbert V Galles | Movable support means |
US3599165A (en) * | 1970-03-02 | 1971-08-10 | Litton Precision Prod Inc | Rotary conductor |
US3972577A (en) * | 1974-09-23 | 1976-08-03 | Etat Francais Represented By Delegation Ministerielle Pour L'armement | Isobaric device with rotating electrical contacts |
US4590337A (en) * | 1984-11-28 | 1986-05-20 | Engelmore Anthony R | Rotatable electrical connector for coiled telephone cords |
US4904190A (en) * | 1988-10-03 | 1990-02-27 | Molex Incorporated | Electrical connector assembly for vehicular steering wheel |
US5009604A (en) * | 1988-10-03 | 1991-04-23 | Molex Incorporated | Electrical connector assembly for vehicular steering wheel |
US5097515A (en) * | 1988-11-30 | 1992-03-17 | Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. | Electret condenser microphone |
US4988963A (en) * | 1989-02-23 | 1991-01-29 | Dx Antenna Company, Limited | High frequency coaxial line coupling device |
US5173053A (en) * | 1991-11-26 | 1992-12-22 | Caterpillar Inc. | Electrical connector for an electromechanical device |
US5363690A (en) * | 1992-09-30 | 1994-11-15 | Exidyne Instrumentation Technologies, Inc. | Gas detection apparatus |
US5350308A (en) * | 1993-08-16 | 1994-09-27 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy | Elastomeric electrical connector |
US5399093A (en) * | 1994-02-01 | 1995-03-21 | Woods Industries, Inc. | Low profile rotatable electrical plug |
US5788516A (en) * | 1994-04-05 | 1998-08-04 | Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson | Elastomeric connector |
US5588843A (en) * | 1994-12-08 | 1996-12-31 | Hughes Aircraft Company | Rotary electrical connector |
US5551882A (en) * | 1995-03-22 | 1996-09-03 | The Whitaker Corporation | Stackable connector |
US5704792A (en) * | 1995-05-22 | 1998-01-06 | Hughes Aircraft Company | Spring loaded rotary connector |
US5690498A (en) * | 1996-09-23 | 1997-11-25 | He Holdings, Inc | Spring loaded rotary connector |
US5746606A (en) * | 1996-09-30 | 1998-05-05 | Hughes Electronics | Spring loaded contact device and rotary connector |
US6018584A (en) * | 1996-11-06 | 2000-01-25 | Motorola, Inc. | Electronic component assembly for an electronic device and method of assembling the same |
US6000584A (en) * | 1997-01-07 | 1999-12-14 | Kopp; Volker | Gun for the production of adhesive foam |
US5899753A (en) * | 1997-04-03 | 1999-05-04 | Raytheon Company | Spring-loaded ball contact connector |
US6307946B1 (en) * | 1997-06-25 | 2001-10-23 | Fuji Polymer Industries Co., Ltd. | Miniature microphone component |
US6331117B1 (en) * | 1998-06-05 | 2001-12-18 | Gary L. Brundage | Electrical component system with rotatable electrical contacts |
US6612848B1 (en) * | 1998-06-05 | 2003-09-02 | Phionics, Inc. | Electrical component system with rotatable electrical contacts |
US6305944B1 (en) * | 1999-09-30 | 2001-10-23 | Qwest Communications Int'l., Inc. | Electrical connector |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US6612848B1 (en) | 2003-09-02 |
US6331117B1 (en) | 2001-12-18 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US6612848B1 (en) | Electrical component system with rotatable electrical contacts | |
US5595505A (en) | Electrical connector for conductive leads | |
US5482473A (en) | Flex circuit connector | |
US6716063B1 (en) | Electrical cable insert | |
JP2909717B2 (en) | Rotary electrical connector | |
US6108418A (en) | Circumferential-contact phone jack socket | |
US3553633A (en) | Multi-contact separable electrical connector | |
US20030017726A1 (en) | Elastomeric connector interconnecting flexible circuits and circuit board and method of manufacturing the same | |
CA2176049A1 (en) | Ball Contact Rotary Connector | |
EP0461391A1 (en) | Electrical test probe having integral strain relief and ground connection | |
US6739878B1 (en) | Pressure point contact for flexible cable | |
US3983457A (en) | Coax cable seizure device | |
US6824394B1 (en) | Modular sensor systems with elastomeric connectors | |
US20020071988A1 (en) | Battery housing, electricity delivering system and method of delivering electricity | |
CN108539443B (en) | Wall-penetrating type wiring terminal | |
RU1808156C (en) | Multipole connector assembly | |
JPH09199217A (en) | Compound type connector | |
US9877398B2 (en) | Method and apparatus for attaching a circuit component | |
US6382984B1 (en) | Electrical card connector for solderlessly electrically connecting to a printed circuit board | |
JPS5823174Y2 (en) | coaxial cord connector | |
CN219959582U (en) | Connector | |
CN216312282U (en) | Connector and terminal | |
JPS6347015Y2 (en) | ||
TWI723774B (en) | Light source connection module and connector thereof | |
JPS5936945Y2 (en) | Connection structure between printed boards |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: PHIONICS, INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:BRUNDAGE, GARY L.;REEL/FRAME:015446/0136 Effective date: 20030807 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |