Didactic Module Holding Plate Embedded Conductive Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

The production of plug-in modules for didactic teaching aids in electrical engineering is complex, labor-intensive, and requires many components and production steps, particularly due to the need for manual wiring and soldering.

Innovation Solution

A functional module with a holding plate made of non-conductive material embedded with electrically conductive connections, allowing for pre-assembly of electrical structures on a circuit board that can be easily connected to other modules via lamellar plugs, eliminating the need for manual wiring and simplifying the manufacturing process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual wiring and soldering are used to assemble plug-in modules, then electrical connections can be established between components, but the production process becomes complex and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidproduction process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual wiring and soldering operations with a mechanical connection system using spring-loaded contact elements. These contacts are pre-integrated into the base body, allowing electrical connections to be established through simple mechanical insertion rather than complex wiring processes. This substitution maintains reliable electrical connections while dramatically simplifying the production process and eliminating labor-intensive manual assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate components (base plate, lamellar connectors, housing) are used to construct modules, then functional requirements can be met, but the number of components and manufacturing steps increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional adaptabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate components into a single integrated base body. The base body incorporates both the mounting structure for electrical components and the spring-loaded contact elements directly into its construction. This integration eliminates the need for separate base plates, lamellar connectors, and housing components, thereby reducing the total number of parts and manufacturing steps while maintaining all necessary functional capabilities through the unified structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If traditional modular construction with separate mounting plates and connectors is used, then modules can be assembled, but production time and acquisition costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidproduction speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-integrating the spring-loaded contact elements and electrical component mountings into the base body during manufacturing. This pre-assembly eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site assembly operations. The modules are delivered in a ready-to-use state where electrical connections are already established through the integrated contacts, allowing for rapid deployment and significantly increasing production speed while maintaining ease of operation during installation and reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3937155A1Functional modules for a didactic teaching aid
Publication Date: 2022.01.12 WUEKRO
  • EP3937155A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3937155A1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b
  • EP3937155A1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4b

AI summary

The invention relates to a functional module (100) for a didactic teaching aid for conveying basic knowledge in electrical engineering/electronics, wherein one or more functional modules (100) are combined or combinable on a carrier device (200) for an electrical/electronic circuit. The functional module (100) comprises the following: - At least one mounting plate (101) or other mounting device. - At least one electrical/electronic assembly (110), wherein the electrical/electronic assemblies (110) are arranged or can be arranged on the mounting plate (101) or the other mounting device. - At least one coupling device (120) for electrically connecting the mounting plate (101) or the other mounting device and/or the electrical/electronic assemblies (110) to the carrier device (200) and/or a further functional module (100).The retaining plate (101) or other retaining device comprises electrically conductive material that is integrated into and/or embedded in and/or applied to a non-conductive substrate material. The invention further relates to a manufacturing process and a frame for a functional module.