Apple inc. (20240266768). SELF-ALIGNING BOARD-TO-BOARD CONNECTORS simplified abstract

SELF-ALIGNING BOARD-TO-BOARD CONNECTORS

Organization Name

apple inc.

Inventor(s)

Jason S. Sloey of Cedar Park TX (US)

George Tziviskos of San Jose CA (US)

Aaron N. Miletich of San Jose CA (US)

Daren L. Rimando of Milpitas CA (US)

Mahmoud R. Amini of Redwood City CA (US)

Logan T. Fikrig of San Francisco CA (US)

Ross L. Jackson of San Francisco CA (US)

Mohammed Nasser Khamis Al Jashmi of New Taipei City (TW)

SELF-ALIGNING BOARD-TO-BOARD CONNECTORS - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240266768 titled 'SELF-ALIGNING BOARD-TO-BOARD CONNECTORS

The abstract describes a self-aligning board-to-board connector that allows for blind mating and easy inclusion in electronic devices.

• First connector includes a fastener fixed to an internal housing portion.
• Second connector mates with the first fastener.
• Housing of the first connector is flexibly connected to the internal housing portion and constrained by the fasteners.
• This constraint allows the housing to move laterally and rotationally for self-alignment with a second connector.
• Flexible circuit board connects contacts of the first connector to a fixed structure within the device.

Potential Applications: - Electronic devices - Communication systems - Industrial machinery

Problems Solved: - Simplifies board-to-board connections - Enables blind mating - Facilitates easy inclusion in devices

Benefits: - Streamlines device assembly - Enhances reliability of connections - Improves overall device performance

Commercial Applications: Title: Self-Aligning Board-to-Board Connector for Electronic Devices This technology can be used in various electronic devices, communication systems, and industrial machinery, enhancing their performance and reliability.

Questions about the technology: 1. How does the self-aligning feature of the connector improve device assembly? 2. What are the advantages of using a flexible circuit board in this connector design?

Original Abstract Submitted

board-to-board connectors that can provide blind mating, are easily included in an electronic device, and are readily manufactured. an example can provide a self-aligning board-to-board connector that provides blind mating and that includes a first connector and a second connector. the first connector can include a first fastener fixed to a first internal housing or enclosure portion. a second fastener can be mated with the first fastener. the first connector can further include a housing, where the housing is flexibly connected to the first internal housing or enclosure portion but is constrained by the first fastener and the second fastener. this constraint can allow the first connector housing to move laterally and rotationally such that it can self-align to a second connector that is fixed to a second internal housing or enclosure portion when the first connector and second connector are mated. a flexible circuit board can connect contacts of the first connector to a board or other structure that is fixed to the first internal housing or enclosure portion. the flexible circuit board can maintain this connection as the first connector housing is moved laterally or rotationally during device assembly.