Heating element connector assembly with press-fit terminals
Inventors
Galauner, Charles • Menn, Gregory • Nelson, Richard A. • Avery, Hazelton P. • Purkis, Timothy E. • Faje, Richard A.
Assignees
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-7494344-B2
Publication Date
2009-02-24
Expiration Date
Abstract
An improved heating element connector assembly includes an insulative, rectangular frame with a central opening and a plurality of conductive terminals which are press fit into openings in the frame. The terminals are spaced apart from each other lengthwise of two opposing sidewalls of the frame, and pairs of terminals are aligned with each other between the two sidewalls. A plurality of conductive strips extend across the frame opening to interconnect the pairs of terminals together. The terminals include compliant pin tail portions for receipt by corresponding holes formed in a circuit board of the assembly and deformable head portions for crimping onto the conductive strips.
Core Innovation
The connector assembly comprises an insulative frame defining a central opening, conductive terminals supported by the frame, and conductive strips extending across the opening to interconnect pairs of terminals. The terminals include compliant pin tail portions for receipt by corresponding holes in a circuit board and deformable lugs extending above the frame sidewalls. The conductive strips can comprise current-responsive heating elements.
The assembly provides a low-cost heating-element connector that avoids soldered connections between the conductive strips and terminals. The strips are mechanically attached to the terminals by deformable lugs and are crowned above the frame. Terminal-receiving cavities, shoulders, and stop surfaces position the terminals, while a carrier strip facilitates assembly prior to singulation.
Claims Coverage
The provided relevant claims include two independent claims, each directed to a connector assembly; together they define two inventive features.
Frame-supported terminals and conductive strips
An insulative frame with lengthwise side walls and widthwise end walls defining a central opening supports spaced conductive terminals arranged in pairs across the opening. The terminals have compliant pin tail portions for receipt by corresponding circuit-board holes and deformable contact lugs extending above the frame sidewalls; conductive strips extend across the opening and interconnect terminal pairs.
Rectangular frame with wider terminal bodies and notched lugs
An insulative, rectangular frame defines a central opening and supports paired arrays of conductive terminals. Each terminal has a body portion wider than either its tail portion or contact portion, compliant pin tail portions for receipt by corresponding circuit-board holes, and deformable contact lugs extending above the frame sidewalls with a center notch between the lugs; conductive strips extend across the opening and interconnect terminal pairs.
The independent claims cover a frame-supported connector assembly with paired terminals and conductive strips spanning the frame opening. The second independent claim further specifies a rectangular frame, relatively wider terminal body portions, and center-notched deformable lugs.
Stated Advantages
The connector is described as low-cost and as avoiding soldered connections.
Documented Applications
Drug-coated heating strips are described for vaporizing drug in an inhalation delivery system.
Interested in licensing this patent?