Deformable PCB Connector with Slits for Tolerance Compensation

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printed circuit board connectors struggle to compensate for varying spacings between printed circuit boards while maintaining high current transmission and mechanical attachment, as they are not adaptable to geometric deviations during device construction.

Innovation Solution

A printed circuit board connector with a pin axis and a mating region that tapers towards the mating end, featuring at least one slit extending through the pin axis, allowing for elastic deformation and forming segments that can move towards each other to accommodate tolerance variations, ensuring mechanical attachment and high conductivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If screw bolts are used to mechanically connect printed circuit boards, then mechanical attachment is achieved, but spacing variations between printed circuit boards cannot be compensated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical attachment stabilityVSAvoidspacing tolerance compensation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The contact pin is designed with elastic deformability, allowing it to dynamically adapt its shape and position to accommodate spacing variations between printed circuit boards while maintaining stable electrical and mechanical connection. The elastic material enables the connector to flex and adjust to geometric deviations without compromising attachment stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The contact pin utilizes changes in physical parameters, specifically elastic deformation, to compensate for spacing variations. By selecting elastic materials with appropriate mechanical properties, the connector can adjust its dimensional parameters to match varying board spacings within the tolerance range, resolving the contradiction between stable attachment and spacing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If rigid connectors are used to ensure stable mechanical attachment, then connection stability is improved, but adaptability to geometric deviations and spacing variations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidspacing tolerance accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The contact pin is designed with elastic deformability, allowing it to dynamically adapt its shape and position to accommodate spacing variations between printed circuit boards while maintaining stable electrical and mechanical connection. The elastic material enables the connector to flex and adjust to geometric deviations without compromising attachment stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If elastic deformation capability is added to accommodate spacing variations, then adaptability improves, but structural integrity and current transmission capability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespacing tolerance compensationVSAvoidstructural integrity and current transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The contact pin utilizes changes in physical parameters, specifically elastic deformation, to compensate for spacing variations. By selecting elastic materials with appropriate mechanical properties, the connector can adjust its dimensional parameters to match varying board spacings within the tolerance range, resolving the contradiction between stable attachment and spacing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 connector provides a stable mechanical attachment and high electrical conductivity while allowing for tolerance compensation, enabling the transmission of high current strengths and accommodating varying spacings between printed circuit boards.

Implementation Method 1

allowing for elastic deformation and forming segments that can move towards each other to accommodate tolerance variations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11316290B2Printed circuit board connector

Publication Date: 2022.04.26 HARTING ELECTRIC STIFTUNG & CO KG

AI summary

A pin-like printed circuit board connector is at least slightly reversibly deformable and has a pin axis. The printed circuit board connector has at least a first slit which starts at the insertion end and runs through the pin axis towards the printed circuit board connection region and by means of which at least two segments pointing in the insertion direction are formed. In particular, the printed circuit board connector can additionally have a second such slit which intersects the first slit in the pin axis, in particular at right angles, forming even four segments pointing in the insertion direction.