Field Device PCB Spring Grounding for Vibration-Tolerant Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for grounding field device electronics in industrial automation are complex and require screw/terminal connections, which complicate production and increase costs, and do not effectively manage vibrations or electrical disturbances.
Innovation Solution
The automation field device employs spring contacts to establish a grounding connection between the circuit board and the housing, eliminating the need for screw/terminal connections and allowing for cost-effective production, improved vibration management, and efficient disturbance current drainage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw/terminal connections are used for grounding, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the grounding function from the complex screw/terminal connection system and implements it through simple spring contacts integrated directly onto the circuit board edge. This eliminates the need for separate grounding lugs, screws, and clamps while maintaining reliable electrical connection between the circuit board and housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the grounding function with the circuit board structure itself by placing spring contacts directly on the board edge. This combines the electrical connection function with the board mounting structure, eliminating separate grounding components and simplifying the overall assembly.
2Reliability
If screw/terminal connections are used for grounding, then stable electrical connection is achieved, but production time and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring contacts are pre-integrated onto the circuit board during board manufacturing, before the board is installed in the housing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for separate grounding operations during final assembly, thereby increasing production efficiency while ensuring stable electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring contacts automatically establish the grounding connection when the circuit board is inserted into the housing, without requiring additional manual operations. The springs self-adjust to accommodate tolerances and vibrations, maintaining reliable connection without intervention.
3Reliability
If rigid grounding connections are used, then reliable grounding is achieved, but vibration resistance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses spring contacts instead of rigid mechanical connections for grounding. The springs provide a dynamic connection that can absorb vibrations and movements while maintaining continuous electrical contact. This dynamic flexibility allows the grounding connection to withstand vibrations without compromising reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring contacts are designed to accommodate expected vibrations and movements before they occur. The spring compliance acts as a cushion that absorbs mechanical stress from vibrations, protecting the electrical connection from damage while maintaining grounding reliability.
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 simplifies the grounding process, reduces production complexity, and minimizes friction and costs by using spring contacts, while effectively managing vibrations and electrical disturbances, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of field device operations.
Implementation Method 1
produce an electrical connection between the first circuit board and the housing, in order to lead disturbance currents from the first circuit board via the spring contacts to the housing
Implementation Method 2
tolerances in the housing or the circuit board can be accommodated via the amount of spring movement of the spring contacts and/or that in the case of vibrations of the field device scarcely any friction occurs on the contact areas, since the springs can accommodate the large part of the vibration via the amount of spring movement
Data Source
AI summary
An automation field device comprises a housing that surrounds an inner space; a sensor- and/or actuator element arranged at the housing; an electronic circuit arranged in the housing and having a round, outer contour and a plurality of spring contacts in an edge region. The inner contour of the housing and the edge contour of the first circuit board are adapted to one another so that the first circuit board is introducible into the housing with a main plane orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the housing. The spring contacts are so arranged on the first circuit board and embodied to hold the first circuit board in the inner space and to produce an electrical connection between the first circuit board and the housing to drain away disturbance currents from the first circuit board.