Shape-memory metal core electrical contactor
US5051097A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 25, 1990 |
| Grant date | Sep 24, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 25, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH05K3/368
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A three dimensional stack of printed circuit assemblies (10,12) provides electrical interconnection or bussing between layers of the stack by means of a composite contactor (34, 35, 36, 77, 79, 81, 83) formed of a shape-memory core (90) having a number of highly electrically conductive resilient wires (92, 94) wrapped around it. The shape-memory core (90) has a low temperature configuration that is substantially straight and enables the contactor assembly or core (90) and wires (92, 94) to be inserted into vias (30, 31, 76, 78, 80, 82) extending through this stack of layers with little or no insertion force. When heated above its phase change temperature, the shape-memory core (90) assumes a sinuous configuration which tightly presses the encircling conductive wires (92, 94) against the electrically conductive interior surfaces of the vias (30, 31) to provide mechanical and electrical contact from layer to layer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.