Design Guide
Understanding the Geometry of Elastomeric Connectors
Every connector made by Z-Axis Connector Company is designed and manufactured specifically for the needs of a customer’s application. Overall connector dimensions specific to your application are needed, and they can be determined by calculating the length, height, and width of your connector. The length (Lc) guarantees full coverage of the connector pads, and it includes possible shifting. The height (Hc) is essential for getting the right deflection so it maintains an optimal connection. Width (Wc) is determined based on several criteria, including deflection forces, stability, and manufacturability of minimum width. The precise measurements maximize the effectiveness of the connector.
Notes for Custom Housing for Your Connector
For the end product, the housing has multiple functions and benefits, including deflection stop (flat landing at each end of the housing), connector support, ribs holding the connector in place during assembly, room for displacement, aligning mating substrates, and facilitating clamping. Slot length (Ls) must allow for tolerances and should be slightly larger. Slot height (Hs) can be used as a deflection stop and should allow for possible board variations. Slot width (Ws) should have a slight interference to hold the connector in place. The housing ribs are critical to the functionality of the connector. They hold the connector in place, locate it to the slot, and allow room for growth during assembly.
Considerations for the Design
Every connector built by Z-Axis Connector Company is designed to fit properly for the best connection. The mating substrates should be aligned to maximize the number of conductors to eliminate shorting, while the tolerances should be held as tightly as possible for the best registration of the mating contact pads. The contact pads must always be flat, clean, and free of contaminants. Isopropyl alcohol can be used to clean the substrates, but make sure all surfaces are completely dry at the time of assembly. Always keep the contact area free of solder mask, including between the pads and around the perimeter, or it interferes with the housing properly seating. For any other questions about our capabilities, or to start your order for custom elastomeric connectors, call Z-Axis Connector Company to get a free consultation!