Electropneumatic Distributor Flexible PCB Contact Biasing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electro-pneumatic distributors face challenges in achieving reliable electrical connections with sufficient dimensional freedom and ease of assembly, often requiring precise alignment or excessive force, and lack flexibility in component arrangement without increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
The electro-pneumatic distributor incorporates a flexible printed circuit with movable contact surfaces and an elastic return member, allowing for biased contact surfaces to establish electrical connections, which can be deformed to ensure reliable contact without needing additional elastic elements per polarity, thus offering greater layout flexibility and reduced size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical connectors with elastic elements are used to connect the printed circuit and solenoid valves, then electrical continuity is achieved, but precise alignment of parts is required which increases assembly complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces contact elements as intermediary components between the printed circuit and solenoid valves. These contact elements serve as mediators that establish electrical continuity while absorbing alignment tolerances, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliable electrical connection and assembly precision requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs elastic return members that utilize elastic deformation to provide biasing force. By changing the physical state from rigid to elastic, the system can accommodate alignment variations while maintaining reliable electrical contact, thus resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and alignment precision
2Adaptability or versatility
If elastic connection elements are used between the printed circuit and actuating member, then dimensional freedom is improved, but great effort is required with the connection element which is difficult to achieve in limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The contact elements act as intermediaries that transfer the elastic biasing force from the return members to the electrical connections. This intermediary mechanism provides dimensional freedom while requiring minimal assembly effort, as the elastic force is automatically applied without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic return members automatically provide the necessary biasing force to ensure contact between the printed circuit and actuating member. The system is self-servicing in that the elastic deformation automatically occurs during assembly, eliminating the need for external force application or complex adjustment mechanisms
3Reliability
If multiple elastic elements are used per connection to guarantee electrical insulation between different polarities, then insulation reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The contact elements are designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: establishing electrical continuity, providing electrical insulation between polarities, and transmitting mechanical force. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate insulation components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining insulation reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of electrical connection and electrical insulation into a single integrated contact element. By combining these previously separate functions, the system achieves reliable insulation between different polarities without increasing the number of components or overall device complexity
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 a compact, reliable, and cost-effective electro-pneumatic distributor with improved assembly ease and flexibility in component arrangement, ensuring consistent electrical supply to actuating members while simplifying the structure by using a single elastic return member for multiple connections.
Implementation Method 1
the contacts electrically connected to the actuating member and the contact surfaces of the printed circuit being biased by elastic return in movement relative to each other in the direction of establishment an electrical connection between them
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
The distributer (3) has an actuation unit, and a set of contacts or pins that is electrically connected to the actuation unit. A flexible printed circuit board (4) is arranged with a set of flexible contact surfaces having a freedom of displacement with regard to the set of contacts. The set of contact surfaces of the printed circuit board is biased by elastic return movement relative to each other in a direction of establishment of electrical connection between the set of contact surfaces.