Direct Plug-in Connector Latching Mechanism for PCBs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing direct plug-in connectors for printed circuit boards lack a reliable and easy-to-operate latching mechanism that is simple to produce and can securely hold the connector without risking damage to the material.
Innovation Solution
A direct plug-in connector with an elastically resilient latching arm integrally connected to the housing, featuring a latching projection and positioning projections, which allows for secure engagement and easy release without the need for tools, and can be operated manually between two fingers, ensuring flexible connection and uniform force distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a latching device with an elastically resilient latching arm is used to secure the housing to the printed circuit board, then the connector can be easily operated and reliably latched, but the device complexity increases due to the additional latching mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The latching arm is integrally connected to the housing as a single piece, combining the housing structure with the latching mechanism. This integration reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the latching function, thereby improving ease of operation without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastically resilient latching arm automatically engages with the passage opening in the printed circuit board through its own elastic deformation, without requiring additional actuators or complex mechanisms. The elastic resilience provides self-actuating latching and release functionality, improving operational ease while keeping the device structure relatively simple.
2Ease of manufacture
If the latching arm is integrally connected to the housing, then the connector can be produced more simply through integral production, but the reliability of the latching mechanism may be compromised due to the flexible connection
Solution Approach 1:
The latching arm and housing are produced as an integral component through plastic injection moulding, simplifying manufacturing by eliminating separate assembly steps. The elastic resilience of the latching arm is designed into the integral structure itself, allowing it to reliably engage and disengage while maintaining connection integrity throughout the housing's service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic resilience of the latching arm is optimized through material selection and geometric design parameters. By carefully controlling the thickness, length, and cross-sectional shape of the latching arm, the design achieves sufficient flexibility for reliable latching operations while maintaining structural integrity and connection strength.
3Ease of operation
If the intermediate space between the latching arm and housing is made large (at least half the height of the housing), then the latching arm can be operated manually between two fingers, but the height of the connector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate space is oriented vertically between the latching arm and housing, allowing the latching arm to deflect upward into the available space. This vertical arrangement enables manual operation between fingers while minimizing the horizontal footprint and keeping the overall connector height optimized for the application.
Solution Approach 2:
The height of the intermediate space is optimized to be at least half the housing height, providing sufficient clearance for manual operation while avoiding excessive overall dimensions. The latching arm's elastic deformation occurs within this intermediate space, allowing finger access without requiring the entire housing height to be dedicated to the latching mechanism.
4Ease of operation
If the latching projection is directed away from the housing, then the latching can be released by pushing the housing and latching arm together, but the insertion force required may increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of pushing the latching arm laterally to release the latching projection from the passage opening, the design allows release by pushing the housing and latching arm together in the insertion direction. This reverses the conventional release mechanism, using the insertion motion itself to compress the elastic latching arm and release the latching projection, thereby simplifying operation without requiring excessive force.
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 solution provides a secure, easy-to-use, and reliable latching mechanism that effectively holds the connector to the printed circuit board, preventing unintentional tilting or twisting, while being simple to produce and operate, ensuring efficient insertion and removal without damaging the material.
Implementation Method 1
The latching device has at least one elastically resilient latching arm which is integrally connected to the housing
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a direct plug-in connector for making electrical contact with printed circuit boards, comprising a housing and at least one contact, which is connected to the housing, for insertion into a first passage opening of a printed circuit board, which first passage opening is electrically conductive on the inner wall, wherein at least one latching device for securing the housing on the printed circuit board is provided, wherein the latching device has at least one elastically resilient latching arm which is integrally connected to the housing and has a latching projection in the region of its free end, wherein the latching arm and the housing are separated by means of an intermediate space which runs perpendicularly to a supporting face of the direct plug-in connector on the printed circuit board and in a straight line.