Clip Contact Element for Detachable PCB Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connection arrangements for printed circuit boards are not detachable and occupy excessive space, limiting their versatility and assembly orientation.

Innovation Solution

A clip contact element that can be removably inserted into a recess on the printed circuit board, featuring guide bevel elements and contact lip elements to securely hold a plug contact unit, allowing for a low-profile, detachable connection that can be oriented specifically to accommodate various plug contact units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a detachable connection arrangement is provided, then assembly flexibility and reconfigurability are improved, but the installation space and profile height increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly flexibilityVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The contact element is inserted into a recess in the printed circuit board, with the contact element body positioned inside the recess and only the contact tip protruding. This nesting approach allows the detachable connection arrangement to be compact and low-profile, reducing the installation space while maintaining assembly flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection arrangement utilizes the vertical dimension by inserting the contact element into a recess, rather than extending horizontally. This dimensional transition reduces the profile height and installation footprint while preserving the detachable connection functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Shape

If the contact element is fully inserted into the recess, then the profile height is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprofile heightVSAvoidinsertion precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The contact element is pre-assembled with the plug contact unit before insertion into the recess. This preliminary assembly ensures proper alignment and positioning, reducing the precision requirements during the final insertion step into the printed circuit board.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The contact element features a resilient body that automatically provides contact force and maintains electrical connection upon insertion. The resilient properties enable self-adjustment and compensation for minor dimensional variations, reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If guide ramp elements and contact lip elements are added, then the secure holding of plug contact unit is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure holdingVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide ramp elements and contact lip elements are integrated into a single contact element body, rather than being separate components. This merging reduces the number of parts and assembly steps while maintaining the secure holding functionality through the combined geometric features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The contact element has different geometric features (guide ramps, contact lips, resilient sections) at different locations along its length, each optimized for its specific function. This local differentiation provides secure holding and guidance without requiring complex overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The clip contact element provides a compact, detachable connection arrangement that reduces overall height on the printed circuit board, allows for specific assembly orientations, and ensures reliable electrical contact, while being cost-effectively manufactured through cold forming techniques.

Implementation Method 1

The inserted contact pin rests on the PCB with one edge and makes contact with the contact zone located there in a contact area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

a method for cold-forming a clip contact element from a metal blank

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCold-forming: Cold-forming

Data Source

PatentEP2965385B1Clip contact element for a printed circuit board and method for its production
Publication Date: 2020.12.09 WALTER SOHNER
  • EP2965385B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2965385B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2965385B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a clip contact element (16) for a printed circuit board (12), comprising a contact core body (20). At least two inclined guiding elements (22) and at least two contact lip elements (24) extend outwards from the contact core body (20), and the contact core body (20) has at least one conductor contact portion (28). The invention further relates to a connection arrangement (10) with such a clip contact element (16) and to a method (80) for producing same.