Elastic Element Snap-Fit for Solder-Free Component Carrier Connection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing component carriers face challenges in efficiently and flexibly connecting multiple electronic components with small spacing between contacts, requiring effective heat removal and mechanical robustness, while conventional soldering methods are inflexible and costly, making repairs and replacements difficult.
Innovation Solution
A component carrier system incorporating a stack of electrically conductive and insulating layers with integrated elastic elements, such as spring elements, that reversibly connect with further component carriers through snap-fit connections, eliminating the need for soldering and allowing for flexible and robust mechanical and electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If soldering is used to connect component carriers, then mechanical strength and electrical connection are improved, but flexibility for repair and replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs elastic elements (springs) that can be deformed during assembly to enable snap-fit connections, and then return to their original state to maintain stable mechanical and electrical connections. This dynamic behavior allows the connection to be both strong during operation and easily reversible for repair purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is divided into separate components: the elastic element, the component carrier, and the further component carrier. This segmentation allows the elastic element to be specifically designed for reversible connection while the other components maintain their structural integrity, enabling easy replacement without damaging the main carrier.
2Strength
If soldering is used to connect component carriers, then mechanical robustness is improved, but adaptability for different configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic elements provide dynamic connection capabilities that allow the system to adapt to different component carrier configurations. The same elastic element design can accommodate various sizes and types of components through controlled deformation, enabling reconfigurable systems without requiring different connection methods for each configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element serves multiple functions: providing mechanical support, ensuring electrical connection, and enabling easy detachment. This multi-functional design replaces the need for separate soldering processes and additional mechanical fastening elements, offering universal applicability across different component carrier configurations.
3Strength
If frame structures are added to component carriers, then mechanical support is improved, but device complexity and space requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the elastic elements directly into the component carrier structure, merging the mechanical support function with the connection function. This eliminates the need for separate frame structures, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adequate mechanical support through the elastic elements themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic elements perform multiple functions simultaneously: they provide mechanical support, enable electrical connection, and facilitate easy assembly and disassembly. This multi-functionality replaces the need for dedicated frame structures, reducing structural complexity and available space requirements.
4Ease of repair
If elastic elements are used for connection, then flexibility for repair and replacement is improved, but connection strength may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic elements are designed to operate in different states: during assembly, they are deformed to enable insertion and connection; during operation, they return to their original state to provide stable mechanical and electrical connections with sufficient strength; for repair, they can be deformed again to enable easy detachment without damage.
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
This solution enables efficient, flexible, and reversible connections between component carriers without the limitations of soldering, allowing for easy repair and replacement of components while maintaining mechanical and electrical integrity, reducing production costs and space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic element is configured to reversibly connect (e.g. via a snap-fit connection) the component carrier with a further component carrier (e.g. a (printed) circuit board, an electronic module, or electronic component) by elastically deforming (e.g. pressing a spring element in a snap-fit connection) the at least one elastic element
Data Source
AI summary
A component carrier is illustrated and described. The component carrier has i) a stack with at least one electrically conductive layer structure and/or at least one electrically insulating layer structure, and ii) at least one elastic element attached to the stack and configured to reversibly connect the component carrier with a further component carrier by elastically deforming the at least one elastic element and essentially not deforming the stack and the further component carrier.