Foldable Contact Elements for PCB Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for connecting electronic components to a printed circuit board are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and costly, especially when the components are not directly attached, as they require precise positioning and fixing of flexible cables, which can be damaged by temperature or bending deformations of the circuit board.
Innovation Solution
The electronic component features foldable contact elements with multiple bends that can be unfolded perpendicularly to the printed circuit board, allowing for reliable and cost-effective connection at a desired distance, with securing elements to maintain the folded state, facilitating easy positioning and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If flexible cables are used to connect electronic components to the printed circuit board, then the component can be arranged at a distance from the circuit board, but the positioning and fixing process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a foldable contact element with a flexible, bendable structure that can be collapsed into a compact form. This flexible structure allows the component to be positioned at a desired distance from the circuit board while maintaining ease of handling during assembly, eliminating the need for complex cable routing and fixing procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The contact element is designed to be dynamically foldable and unfoldable, transitioning between a compact folded state for easy positioning and an extended state for making contact with the circuit board. This dynamic capability allows rapid deployment and positioning without time-consuming manual cable management
2Length of stationary object
If flexible cables are used for connection, then the component can be positioned at a distance, but the fixing process becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex cable management and fixing mechanisms from the connection system, replacing them with a simple foldable contact element that inherently maintains its position through its folded structure. The contact element itself serves both as the connection medium and the positioning mechanism, eliminating separate fixing components
Solution Approach 2:
The foldable contact element serves multiple functions: it provides electrical connection, maintains positioning at the desired distance, and enables easy assembly. This multi-functional design replaces what would otherwise require separate cables, connectors, and fixing mechanisms, significantly reducing overall system complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If the electronic component is arranged at a distance from the printed circuit board, then flexibility is improved, but reliable contacting becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The contact element is pre-formed with a specific folded structure that is designed to naturally unfold and make reliable contact with the circuit board. This preliminary configuration ensures that when deployed, the contact is made reliably without requiring complex alignment procedures or additional securing mechanisms during the assembly process
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
The component (10) has contact units (12) that contact the component with a printed circuit board (22), where the contact units have a set of bendings in sections. The contact units are foldable in sections in such a manner that the contact units are unfolded from the folded condition in a main unfolded direction. The component is spaced apart from an assembling surface of the printed circuit board. The unfolded direction extends perpendicular to the assembling surface of the printed circuit board. An independent claim is also included for a method for contacting an electronic component with a printed circuit board.