Gravity-Tilting Connector Receptacle for PCB Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge is to provide a connector receiving device that can be automatically and inexpensively assembled on a printed circuit board with improved contact reliability, especially for flat devices requiring external plug connections on narrow sides, where conventional methods result in suboptimal contact reliability and increased assembly time and costs due to manual intervention.

Innovation Solution

A connector receiving device with a tilting mechanism, where the center of mass is positioned to ensure the connecting element makes contact with the printed circuit board due to gravity, allowing for automatic or semi-automatic placement without additional securing, and maintaining contact during soldering processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If the connector receiving device is laterally pushed onto the printed circuit board for automatic assembly, then assembly automation is improved, but contact reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly automationVSAvoidcontact reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connector receiving device utilizes a dynamic tilting mechanism that allows the device to automatically adjust its angle during assembly. The device tilts from an initial horizontal position to a final vertical position, enabling the connecting elements to naturally contact the printed circuit board through gravitational force rather than requiring precise lateral alignment, thus improving both automation and contact reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connector receiving device employs self-aligning connecting elements that automatically position themselves during the tilting process. The gravitational force acting on the device causes the connecting elements to naturally settle into contact with the printed circuit board without requiring additional manual adjustment or complex positioning mechanisms, achieving reliable contact through self-service

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If manual assembly is used to ensure contact reliability, then contact reliability is improved, but assembly time and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact reliabilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connector receiving device employs self-aligning connecting elements that automatically position themselves during the tilting process. The gravitational force acting on the device causes the connecting elements to naturally settle into contact with the printed circuit board without requiring additional manual adjustment or complex positioning mechanisms, achieving reliable contact through self-service

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces manual mechanical assembly operations with a gravity-based automatic tilting mechanism. Instead of requiring operators to manually position and secure the connector receiving device, the system uses controlled gravitational force to achieve proper alignment and contact, eliminating manual labor while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Stability of the object's composition

If additional fastening means are used during soldering, then connection stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the need for additional fastening means by designing the connector receiving device to maintain stable connection through its gravity-based tilting mechanism alone. The connecting elements are designed to naturally maintain contact with the printed circuit board during soldering without requiring clips, latches, or other fastening components, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving connection stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector receiving device employs self-aligning connecting elements that automatically position themselves during the tilting process. The gravitational force acting on the device causes the connecting elements to naturally settle into contact with the printed circuit board without requiring additional manual adjustment or complex positioning mechanisms, achieving reliable contact through self-service

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 reliable mechanical and electrical contact between the connector receiving device and the printed circuit board, simplifying assembly, reducing costs, and ensuring consistent connection quality without the need for additional fastening means during soldering.

Implementation Method 1

the center of mass S of the connector receiving device is arranged relative to the tilting area in such a way that the at least one connecting element of the connector receiving device makes contact with the at least one connecting contact of the printed circuit board

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2026415B1Contact system, method for producing a contact system, connector receptacle device and use of a connector receptacle device
Publication Date: 2010.12.01 YAMAICHI ELECTRONICS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
  • EP2026415B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2026415B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP2026415B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The system (1) has a connector holder device (2) tiltable about a tilting region relative to a conductor plate (3) in an arrangement position. The connector holder device is formed such that a center of mass of the connector holder device is arranged relative to the tilting region such that a connecting unit (50) of the connector holder device contacts a connecting contact (74) of the conductor plate. The center of mass is arranged relative to the tilting region such that a connecting region (57) transfers a force on the conductor plate due to a weight force of the holder device. An independent claim is also included for a method for producing a contact system.