Elastic Board Connector Assembly for PCB Tolerance Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing board-to-board connector systems face issues with inconsistency and tolerance gaps between contact surfaces, leading to potential damage of sensitive components and connection failures due to deformation during assembly.
Innovation Solution
A printed circuit board assembly with board connectors that include an elastic member, allowing for multipoint contact and compensation of tolerance gaps, enhancing signal transmission reliability and reducing the risk of component damage by embedding the connectors into through-holes on the motherboard.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple hard contacts are disposed at the same time to connect motherboard and sub-board, then connection reliability is improved, but tolerance gaps cause deformation and component damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cushioning layer (elastic material) between the hard contacts and the sub-board components. This cushioning layer is disposed in advance in the through-holes of the motherboard, providing a compliant interface that absorbs deformation forces before they reach the sensitive components, thereby preventing component damage while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic material acts as an intermediary element between the rigid hard contacts and the sensitive electronic components. This intermediary layer transforms the rigid mechanical contact into a compliant connection, allowing the hard contacts to maintain electrical connectivity while the elastic material absorbs mechanical stress and prevents direct transmission of deformation forces to the components
2Manufacturing precision
If sub-board is pressed down to compensate tolerance gap, then connection contact is improved, but sensitive components break down
Solution Approach 1:
The cushioning layer is pre-installed in the through-holes before assembling the sub-board. When the sub-board is pressed down to compensate for tolerance gaps, the elastic material deforms elastically to absorb the excess compression force, preventing the transmission of damaging stresses to the sensitive components while still achieving proper contact surface alignment
3Reliability
If board connector is embedded into through-holes, then space is saved and connection reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated structure: the hard contacts serve both as electrical connection elements and as mechanical positioning features, while the cushioning layer simultaneously provides electrical insulation, mechanical compliance, and stress absorption. This functional integration reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall assembly process despite the embedded configuration
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 solution improves the reliability of signal connections by compensating for tolerance gaps and reducing the risk of component damage, while also saving space and maintaining the integrity of sensitive components.
Implementation Method 1
wherein the board connector (10) comprises an elastic member (16), and the head (12) is elastically connected to the pin body (13)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3C
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a board connector and a printed circuit board assembly. The board connector (10) is used in the printed circuit board assembly (100) and includes a shell (1), a pin (11) and an elastic member (16, 16'). The shell (1) has a chamber (2) therein and a hole (3) on a surface (4) thereof. The pin (11) is configured to accommodate in the chamber (2), wherein at least one part of the pin (11) protrudes out of the shell (1) via the hole (3). The elastic member (16, 16') is configured to locate in the chamber (2). The pin (11) is located between the surface (4) and the elastic member (16, 16').