Connector Guide Portions With Projections For Circuit Board Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors face challenges in achieving accurate positioning of circuit boards with large manufacturing tolerances, particularly when connecting relay boards with closely spaced contacts and cable conductors, as they struggle to accommodate varying sizes within manufacturing tolerances.
Innovation Solution
The connector design incorporates first and second guide portions with projection portions that deform to securely hold the circuit board, absorbing manufacturing tolerances and improving positioning accuracy by creating spaces to accommodate protruding parts and absorb size variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a general card edge connector is used with large manufacturing tolerances, then the connector can accommodate size variations easily, but positioning accuracy of the circuit board deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The guide portions are designed with different local properties: the inner surfaces provide positioning function while the projection portions provide accommodation function. This local differentiation allows the connector to simultaneously achieve positioning accuracy and tolerance accommodation in different regions of the same component.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection portions are designed to be deformable, allowing them to dynamically adapt to circuit boards of varying sizes. When a larger circuit board is inserted, the projection portions deform to accommodate the extra space, maintaining secure holding while absorbing size variations within manufacturing tolerances.
2Manufacturing precision
If the connector is designed to securely hold the circuit board, then positioning accuracy improves, but the connector cannot accommodate larger circuit boards within manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The projection portions are designed with deformable characteristics that allow them to adapt dynamically to different circuit board sizes. When a larger circuit board is inserted, these portions deform to create additional accommodation space, enabling the connector to securely hold circuit boards across the full range of manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the projection portions changes from rigid to deformable under load, allowing the connector to adjust its holding characteristics based on the actual circuit board size inserted. This parameter change enables accommodation of size variations while maintaining secure positioning.
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 enhances the positioning accuracy of circuit boards by restricting movement and securely holding them, even when the board size is within or exceeds manufacturing tolerances, ensuring proper connection without applying unnecessary stress.
Implementation Method 1
the circuit board is brought into abutment with the first projection portion and the second projection portion to deform them
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a holding member. The holding member has two guide portions which are arranged away from each other in a pitch direction. Each of the guide portions has a side portion, an upper portion and a lower portion which are formed as described below. The side portion intersects with the pitch direction and is provided with a first projection portion and a side surface facing inward in the pitch direction. Each of the upper portion and the lower portion intersects with an up-down direction, and at least one of the upper portion and the lower portion is provided with a second projection portion. The first projection portion is away from both the upper portion and the lower portion and projects inward in the pitch direction from the side surface. The second projection portion is away from the side surface and projects inward in the up-down direction.