17457737. SHAPE-MEMORY ALLOY LOCK FOR CONNECTORS simplified abstract (INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION)

SHAPE-MEMORY ALLOY LOCK FOR CONNECTORS

Organization Name

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION

Inventor(s)

Theron Lee Lewis of Rochester MN (US)

David J. Braun of St. Charles MN (US)

James D. Bielick of Pine Island MN (US)

John R. Dangler of Rochester MN (US)

Timothy P. Younger of Rochester MN (US)

Timothy Jennings of Rochester MN (US)

Jennifer I. Bennett of Rochester MN (US)

Stephen Michael Hugo of Stewartville MN (US)

SHAPE-MEMORY ALLOY LOCK FOR CONNECTORS - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 17457737 titled 'SHAPE-MEMORY ALLOY LOCK FOR CONNECTORS

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes two apparatuses that include an electrical connector with an outer shell and an inner wafer. The inner wafer is designed to slide into a cavity of the outer shell. Both apparatuses also include a shape-memory alloy that is connected to a void in the outer shell. This shape-memory alloy interferes with an area on the inner wafer, preventing movement of the inner wafer within the outer shell.

• The first apparatus includes an electrical connector with an outer shell and an inner wafer.
• The inner wafer is designed to slide into a cavity of the outer shell.
• The first apparatus also includes a shape-memory alloy that is connected to a void in the outer shell.
• The shape-memory alloy interferes with an area on the inner wafer, preventing movement of the inner wafer within the outer shell.
• The second apparatus is similar to the first one, but it includes an OTS connector instead of a regular electrical connector.
• The second apparatus also includes a plurality of SMT leads on the inner wafer that can be mounted onto landing pads on a PCBA.
• The shape-memory alloy in the second apparatus interferes with the inner wafer, preventing its movement within the outer shell of the OTS connector.

Potential Applications

This technology can be applied in various industries and applications, including:

• Electronics manufacturing
• Automotive industry
• Aerospace industry
• Telecommunications industry

Problems Solved

This technology addresses several problems in the field of electrical connectors, including:

• Unintended movement or disconnection of the inner wafer within the outer shell
• Ensuring secure and stable connections between electrical components
• Preventing damage to the electrical connector during transportation or use

Benefits

The use of shape-memory alloy in these apparatuses offers several benefits, such as:

• Enhanced stability and reliability of electrical connections
• Improved resistance to vibration and shock
• Simplified assembly and disassembly processes
• Increased lifespan and durability of the electrical connector

Original Abstract Submitted

A first apparatus includes an electrical connector with an outer shell and an inner wafer, where the inner wafer is configured to slide into a cavity of the outer shell. The first apparatus further includes a shape-memory alloy coupled to a void in the outer shell and configured to interfere with an area on the inner wafer. A second apparatus includes an OTS connector with an outer shell and an inner wafer, where the inner wafer is configured to slide into a cavity of the outer shell. The second apparatus further includes a plurality of SMT leads of the inner wafer configured to mount onto a plurality of landing pads on a PCBA. The second apparatus includes a shape-memory alloy coupled to a void in the outer shell and configured to interfere with the inner wafer preventing movement of the inner wafer within the outer shell of OTS connector.