Insulating PCB Fitting Element for Automated Board Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting circuit boards are complex and do not allow for an electrically insulating connection, making the production of circuit board compounds difficult and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A fitting element with a first fitting section for connection to a spacer element, a second arresting section for securing a circuit board, and a central section forming stops for both, made from temperature-resistant and electrically insulating plastic, enabling simple and automated assembly and spacing of circuit boards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If contact pins are cast into spacers made of plastic and soldered to circuit boards, then electrical connection is achieved, but the production process becomes complex and electrically insulating connection cannot be produced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the electrical connection function from the fitting element itself and transfers it to the spacer element. The fitting element is made purely of electrically insulating plastic material without any metal contact pins, while the spacer element separately provides the electrical connection function through its metal portion that is soldered to the circuit board.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the functions of electrical connection and mechanical fitting into two separate elements: the spacer element handles electrical connection through its metal portion, while the fitting element handles mechanical fitting and spacing through its insulating plastic structure. This segmentation simplifies the fitting element's production process.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional fitting methods are used, then circuit boards can be connected, but automated assembly is difficult and the process is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting element's elastic material automatically deforms during assembly to accommodate the circuit board and spacer element, then self-locks into position without requiring additional fastening steps or complex alignment procedures. This self-service mechanism enables straightforward automated assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting element utilizes the dynamic properties of elastic materials that allow it to deform during the assembly process and then maintain a stable locked position. This dynamic behavior simplifies the assembly operation while ensuring reliable connection.
3Extent of automation
If the fitting element is made of elastic material, then automated assembly is simplified, but temperature resistance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs composite material construction where the fitting element uses temperature-resistant elastic plastic material that maintains both the desired elasticity for automated assembly and sufficient temperature resistance. The spacer element's metal portion provides additional thermal stability for the electrical connection function.
Data Source
AI summary
A fitting element includes a first fitting section for connection with a spacer element, and a second arresting section for arresting with a circuit board. A central section is arranged between the fitting section and the arresting section and serves for forming a first stop for the spacer element, and a second stop for the circuit board. The fitting element is connected with an associated spacer element for forming a fitting device. The spacer element is fitted to a first circuit board. A second circuit board is then arrested with the fitting element. In this way two circuit boards can be connected with each other in a simple, flexible and automated way.