Connector Support System Resists Overturning Forces
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Solution Overview
Problem
In industrial automation and control systems, connectors on printed circuit boards are prone to being dislodged due to overturning forces during the installation of removable terminal blocks, which can lead to mechanical failure and requires cumbersome, expensive fasteners for support.
Innovation Solution
A connector support system with support members integrated into the device housing that engage with the connector to resist overturning forces, eliminating the need for additional fasteners by using beams and engagement features to secure the connector relative to the printed circuit board.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional fasteners are used to secure the connector, then the connector's resistance to overturning forces is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support members are integrated directly into the housing structure, merging the support function with the housing itself. This eliminates the need for separate fasteners and reduces device complexity while maintaining connector security against overturning forces
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the fastener component entirely by incorporating support members directly into the housing. This removes the need for additional fastening elements while preserving the structural support function
2Reliability
If traditional fasteners are used to secure the connector, then the reliability of connector attachment is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the support function into the housing structure itself, the invention reduces the total component count and assembly steps. This integration lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable connector attachment through the built-in support members
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure provides its own support function through integrated support members, eliminating the need for separate fastening components. This self-sufficient design reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while ensuring reliable connector security
3Ease of operation
If the connector is cantilevered from the printed circuit board, then the assembly simplicity is improved, but the resistance to overturning forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support members act as intermediary elements between the housing and the connector, providing structural support that prevents overturning forces from damaging the connector-pcb connection. This mediator structure maintains assembly simplicity while adding necessary mechanical strength
Data Source
AI summary
A connector support system for an automation system device is provided. The connector support system includes a device housing configured to hold a printed circuit board with a connector coupled to the printed circuit board. The connector support system also includes one or more support members coupled to a surface of the housing, wherein the one or more support members are configured to support the connector relative to the housing and configured to resist an overturning moment tending to remove the connector from the printed circuit board.