Horizontal PCB Connection Terminal for Low-Profile LED Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection terminals for printed circuit boards with LEDs are either visible, causing aesthetic issues and shadowing, or have a high overall height when routed perpendicularly, which is not suitable for low-profile applications.
Innovation Solution
A connection terminal design where the terminal is arranged essentially horizontally within the printed circuit board, with the contact elements parallel to the board, allowing for low-profile installation and easy handling, using a stamped contact body and insulating housing for protection and reduced stress on components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the connection terminal is arranged perpendicularly to the printed circuit board, then the electrical connection is achieved, but the overall height of the system becomes very high
Solution Approach 1:
The connection terminal is rotated from a perpendicular arrangement (vertical dimension) to a horizontal arrangement within the plane of the printed circuit board. This dimensional change allows the terminal to be accommodated within the board thickness while maintaining electrical connection functionality, thereby reducing the overall height from a vertical protrusion to a minimal profile.
2Reliability
If the connection terminal is arranged on the front side of the printed circuit board, then the electrical connection is achieved, but the conductors and terminal become visible causing aesthetic issues and shadowing
Solution Approach 1:
The connection terminal is extracted from the front side arrangement and repositioned to be accommodated within the printed circuit board structure itself. By routing the terminal horizontally through the board thickness rather than mounting it on the front surface, the terminal and conductors are hidden from view, eliminating visibility and shadowing issues while preserving electrical connection functionality.
3Reliability
If the connection terminal is designed with perpendicular conductor routing, then the electrical connection is achieved, but the handling and assembly becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor routing is changed from a perpendicular arrangement requiring folding or bending to a horizontal arrangement that allows straight-through insertion. This dimensional reorientation simplifies the conductor path, eliminating the need for complex folding operations and improving both assembly ease and conductor integrity.
Data Source
Figure 1a~2
Figure 3a~4b
Figure 5a~5c
AI summary
The invention relates to a terminal clamp or connection clamp (1) for electrically contacting at least one electrical conductor (10) with a circuit board (2), in particular a circuit board (2) with at least one LED (5), wherein the terminal clamp or connection clamp (1) has at least one electrical contact body (12) with a conductor insertion channel (13) for the electrical connection of the at least one conductor (10), wherein the terminal clamp or connection clamp (1) has at least one contact element (11) for electrically contacting the circuit board (2), wherein the circuit board (2) has a front face (3), in particular fitted with at least one LED (5), and a rear face (4), wherein an opening (9) is provided in the circuit board (2) for receiving the terminal clamp or connection clamp (1), wherein the terminal clamp or connection clamp (1) can be indirectly or directly contacted with at least one contact element (11) on the front face (3) of the circuit board (2), wherein the connection of the at least one electrical conductor (10) is provided in the electrical contact body (12) of the terminal clamp or connection clamp (1) in the region of the rear face (4) of the circuit board (2), wherein the terminal clamp or connection clamp (1) can be arranged essentially horizontally in the opening (9) of the circuit board (2). The invention also relates to a circuit board (2) and a lighting system with a terminal clamp or connection clamp (1) according to the invention.