Connector Removal Tool with Deflecting Engagement Members
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors, particularly press-fit connectors, are difficult to remove from electronics assemblies without causing damage due to the challenge of consistently compressing interlocking tabs in limited and cramped spaces, leading to potential damage to the connectors or circuit boards.
Innovation Solution
A connector removal tool with a rigid press and a release device featuring deflecting engagement members that apply a press force to compress interlocking tabs, allowing for consistent and controlled removal of the connector from the assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual removal of connector is attempted in limited space, then operator access is constrained, but consistent compression of interlocking tabs cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
A removal tool acts as an intermediary device between the operator and the connector tabs. The tool includes a press member that applies force to the tabs and a deflectable member that provides mechanical advantage and consistent deflection path, ensuring uniform compression despite limited operator access to the cramped connector area
2Productivity
If improper removal force is applied, then connector removal speed increases, but damage to interlocking tabs or circuit board occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The tool applies preliminary controlled compression to the interlocking tabs through the deflectable member before full removal force is applied. This preliminary action ensures tabs are properly engaged and prepared for removal, preventing sudden failures or damage when extraction force is applied
Solution Approach 2:
The deflectable member serves as a cushioning element that absorbs and distributes extraction forces. As the tool pulls the connector away from the circuit board, the deflectable member gradually deflects, providing a cushioning effect that prevents sudden force spikes that could damage the tabs or board
3Manufacturing precision
If rigid press structure is used, then force application precision improves, but adaptability to deflecting engagement members decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The tool combines a rigid press structure for precise force application with a deflectable member that introduces dynamic adaptability. The rigid press ensures consistent force magnitude and direction, while the deflectable member adapts its angle and position to match the geometry of different engagement members, allowing the same tool to work with various connector types
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 tool ensures safe and efficient removal of connectors by consistently compressing interlocking tabs, reducing the risk of damage to the connectors or circuit boards and improving the ease and accuracy of the removal process.
Implementation Method 1
a release device operable to inwardly compress a pair of interlocking tabs of the connector to release the connector from an electronics assembly
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A connector removal tool comprising a rigid press and release device for removing a connector from an electronics assembly. Upon engagement of the rigid press and the release device, first and second press members of the rigid press engage and move about a pair of deflecting engagement members of the release device to cause the pair of deflecting engagement members to deflect to compress and unlock interlocking tabs of the connector to facilitate removal from the electronics assembly. A single motion of the rigid press can cause unlocking of the connector. Alternatively, a connector removal tool comprises biased deflecting rigid press members that engage directly with a connector to unlock the interlocking tabs of the connector to facilitate removal of the connector from an electronics assembly.