Connector Fixing Pin Embedding Circuit Board Pulling Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connectors soldered onto circuit boards in Surface Mount Technology (SMT) lack sufficient resistance to pulling forces, leading to solder cracks or separation from the board when external connectors are pulled.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring an insulating housing with first and second fixing pins that include latching and embedding portions, which are soldered into mating holes on the circuit board, enhancing the connection strength and resisting pulling forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a connector is soldered onto a circuit board in Surface Mount Technology manner, then the connector can be mounted on the circuit board surface, but the connection is incapable of providing sufficient resistance against pulling forces
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing structure is segmented into multiple components: a fixing pin with embedding portion that extends into the circuit board, a latching portion that engages with the housing, and the housing itself. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the embedding portion provides mechanical anchoring, the latching portion provides retention, and the housing provides structural support - thereby achieving both ease of manufacture and high pulling resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing pin transitions from a surface-mounted configuration to a three-dimensional configuration by extending an embedding portion through the circuit board thickness. This dimensional change from surface-only attachment to through-board anchoring dramatically increases the connection strength and resistance against pulling forces while maintaining SMT compatibility.
2Productivity
If the connector uses only surface mounting, then the manufacturing process is simple, but solder cracks occur or the connector separates from the circuit board under external force
Solution Approach 1:
The embedding portion of the fixing pin is pre-formed to extend beyond the housing, and positioning structures are pre-configured to guide proper alignment during assembly. This preliminary preparation ensures that during the SMT process, the fixing pin automatically achieves correct positioning and embedding depth, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while ensuring reliable connection integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching portion is designed to engage with the housing beforehand, creating a pre-assembled fixing structure that is then mounted to the circuit board. This pre-engagement provides mechanical cushioning and stress distribution that prevents solder cracks and connector separation under external forces, thereby improving reliability without complicating the manufacturing process.
3Strength
If fixing pins are added to the connector, then the connection strength is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing pin integrates multiple functions into a single component: the embedding portion provides mechanical anchoring, the latching portion provides retention engagement, and the main body serves as the structural element. By merging these functions into one integrated fixing pin rather than using separate components, the connection strength is enhanced while the increase in device complexity is minimized.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing pin is designed as a multi-functional element that simultaneously provides anchoring (embedding portion), retention (latching portion), and structural support (main body). This universality allows a single component to perform multiple critical functions, enhancing connection strength without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes an insulating housing, a signal contact set, a ground contact and a fixing pin. A containing slot is formed on the insulating housing and the insulating housing has an engaging structure located inside the containing slot. The signal contact set is installed inside the insulating housing. The ground contact is installed inside the insulating housing and opposite to the signal contact set. The fixing pin is installed inside the insulating housing and located between the signal contact set and the ground contact. The fixing pin includes a main body, a latching portion and an embedding portion. The main body is installed inside the containing slot. The latching portion protrudes from the main body and is for latching the engaging structure. The embedding portion extends from the main body and is for embedding into a mating hole on a circuit board.