Compliant Pin Spring Structure for Vibration-Stable PCB Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compliant pins for connecting with printed circuit boards (PCBs) face issues with intermittent electrical connections due to movement caused by vibrations and mechanical shocks, leading to wear and tear on the PCBs.
Innovation Solution
The compliant pin features a first insertion section with a contact portion, a first spring, and a second spring. The first spring is compressed during insertion and recovers elasticity once past the PCB's through-hole, while the second spring stops the insertion section, constraining PCB movement and enhancing the electrical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a compliant pin is used to connect with a PCB, then electrical connection is provided, but movement occurs due to vibrations and mechanical shocks causing intermittent connections and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating springs within the compliant pin structure that compress during insertion and expansion to absorb vibrations and mechanical shocks. This cushioning mechanism is built into the pin before it encounters external forces, allowing it to maintain stable electrical connections by mitigating the impact of vibrations and shocks on the PCB interface.
2Ease of operation
If the first spring is compressed during insertion to provide elasticity, then the insertion process is facilitated, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the compliant pin structure by integrating springs, contact portions, and insertion sections into a single unified component. The springs serve dual purposes: facilitating insertion through compression and providing elasticity after insertion. This merging of functions reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall assembly process despite the enhanced functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by incorporating springs that can dynamically compress and expand based on the insertion process and operational conditions. The springs transition from a compressed state during insertion to an expanded state during normal operation, allowing the pin to adapt to varying mechanical stresses and vibrations while maintaining reliable electrical connections.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the second spring is configured to stop the first insertion section, then PCB movement is constrained, but the insertion depth control becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the second spring to automatically stop the first insertion section at the appropriate depth without requiring external control mechanisms. The spring's physical properties and positioning within the pin structure enable it to self-regulate the insertion depth, constraining PCB movement while maintaining simplicity in the overall control system.
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
This design reduces movement between the compliant pin and the PCB, minimizing wear and improving the reliability and consistency of the electrical connection.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring positioned on a first end of the contact portion, where the first spring is configured to be compressed during an insertion process and recover elasticity in an instance in which the first spring passes the through-hole of the PCB
Implementation Method 2
a second spring positioned on a second end of the contact portion, where in the instance in which the first spring passes the through-hole of the PCB, the second spring is configured to stop the first insertion section, and the first spring and the second spring constrain movement of the PCB
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A compliant pin is provided. The compliant pin includes, but not limited to: a main section; and a first insertion section on a first end of the main section and configured to be inserted into a through-hole of a printed circuit board (PCB) to provide an electrical connection between the compliant pin and the PCB. The first insertion section includes, but not limited to: a contact portion; a first spring positioned, where the first spring is configured to be compressed during an insertion process and recover elasticity in an instance in which the first spring passes the through-hole of the PCB; and a second spring positioned, where in the instance in which the first spring passes the through-hole of the PCB, the second spring is configured to stop the first insertion section, and the first spring and the second spring constrain movement of the PCB.