Contactor With Protruding Form-Fitting Means for Secure PCB Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors for printed circuit boards and modules lack secure and customizable options for electrical contact, particularly for testing and software updates, often relying on standard plug connections that may not provide secure or exclusive access.
Innovation Solution
A contactor system with a contactor body featuring a contact surface and form-fitting means that protrude beyond the contact surface, allowing for a customizable and secure mechanical connection with printed circuit boards and modules, enabling both positive and non-positive locking mechanisms for stable electrical and mechanical contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional plug connections are used for electrical contact, then standardization and ease of manufacture are improved, but security, customization, and exclusive access are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The contactor is divided into two functional parts: a contact surface for electrical contact and form-fitting means for mechanical securing. This segmentation allows the electrical contact function and mechanical securing function to be optimized independently, resolving the contradiction between standardized electrical contact and customized secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges electrical contact elements with form-fitting means into a single integrated contactor component. This combination ensures that both electrical contact and mechanical securing occur simultaneously through one connection action, providing both standardized electrical interface and customized mechanical security.
2Ease of operation
If conventional plug connections are used, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability and customization for specific applications are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The form-fitting means are designed to be movable relative to the contact surface, allowing the contactor to adapt its configuration based on the specific application requirements. This dynamic design enables the same contactor body to serve multiple purposes while maintaining ease of operation through a single connection mechanism.
3Reliability
If form-fitting means protrude beyond the contact surface, then mechanical connection security and customization are improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The contactor body serves multiple functions: it houses the contact surface for electrical contact, mounts the form-fitting means for mechanical securing, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high mechanical connection security.
Data Source
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AI summary
A contactor (1) for electrically contacting a printed circuit board (100) and/or a module comprises a contactor body (10) which has a contact surface (20) with electrical contact elements (30), and at least one positive locking element (40) projecting beyond the contact surface (20) in a contact direction (K) for establishing a positive locking connection with the printed circuit board (100) and/or the module. The contact surface (20) is configured and designed to establish mechanical contact in the contact direction (K) with a connection surface (110) of the printed circuit board (100) and/or the module such that the electrical contact elements (30) of the contact surface (20) electrically contact corresponding electrical contacts (111) of the printed circuit board (100) and/or the module. The positive locking element (40) is movably mounted on the contactor (1) relative to the contact surface (20).