Dual-Sided PCB Connector for Flexible Board Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printed circuit board connectors are limited in flexibility and modularity, requiring separate connectors for each installation situation and often necessitating soldering on both sides of the board for bi-directional connectivity, which increases production costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A dual-sided electrical connector with first and second interfaces that form contact element pairs, allowing connection to a mating connector from either end, and a third interface for connection to a printed circuit board, enabling flexible assembly and cost-effective production by allowing access from either side.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional printed circuit board connectors are used, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but flexibility and modularity are limited requiring separate connectors for each installation situation
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with identical first and second interfaces that can each connect to a mating connector, allowing the same connector design to be used in multiple installation configurations (single-sided or double-sided, different orientations). This universal design eliminates the need for separate connector variants for different installation situations, directly resolving the contradiction between versatility and device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If bi-directional connectivity is implemented with traditional connectors, then connection from both sides is enabled, but soldering on both sides of the board is required increasing production costs
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring the printed circuit board to have connectors on both sides for bi-directional connectivity, the invention inverts the approach by providing a single connector that can be accessed from both sides of the board. The first and second interfaces are positioned such that a mating connector can plug in from either the first side or the second side of the printed circuit board, enabling bi-directional connectivity with single-sided soldering.
3Ease of manufacture
If single-sided connector access is used, then production cost is reduced, but flexibility for different installation situations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design with identical first and second interfaces provides universal access from both sides of the printed circuit board. This allows the same connector to be installed in various configurations (single-sided or double-sided, different orientations) without requiring different connector designs, thereby maintaining production cost efficiency while maximizing installation flexibility.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connector variants are provided for different installation situations, then installation flexibility is improved, but production complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By designing the connector with identical first and second interfaces that can each connect to a mating connector, the invention creates a single universal connector design that can accommodate all installation situations. This eliminates the need to manage multiple connector variants, directly resolving the contradiction between installation flexibility and device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of an electrical connector may have a first end portion on which a first interface is arranged and a second end portion on which a second interface is arranged. The first interface and second interface can each be connected to a respective mating electrical connector. The first interface may form at least two contact element pairs with the second interface, each of the contact element pairs having a first contact element which is associated with the first interface and a second contact element which is mechanically connected to the first contact element and is associated with the second interface. A third interface between the first end portion and the second end portion may electrically and mechanically connect at least one of the contact element pairs to a printed circuit board on which the electrical connector may be mounted.