Leaf Spring SMD-THT Connector Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing manufacturing processes for printed circuit boards require multiple soldering processes when mixing Surface Mounted Devices (SMD) and Through Hole Technology (THT) components, increasing costs and production time.

Innovation Solution

A device with an opening delimited by leaf spring elements for receiving a contact part, enabling a non-positive mechanical and electrical connection, allowing for the assembly of components using a single SMD soldering process, eliminating the need for wave soldering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple soldering processes (reflow and wave soldering) are used for mixed SMD and THT components, then both SMD and THT components can be assembled, but manufacturing costs and production time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent assembly capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines SMD and THT component assembly capabilities into a single soldering process. The device allows THT components to be soldered through the circuit board in the same reflow soldering process used for SMD components, eliminating the need for separate wave soldering and improving manufacturing efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device provides multi-functionality by enabling both SMD and THT component assembly through a single soldering process. The universal approach allows the same soldering equipment and process parameters to handle different component types, reducing process complexity and cost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If two separate soldering processes are used for SMD and THT components, then proper mechanical and electrical connection can be achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection qualityVSAvoidsoldering process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple soldering processes into a single reflow soldering process. By designing the device with appropriate structural features, it enables both SMD and THT components to be reliably connected through the same soldering operation, reducing process complexity while maintaining connection quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If separate soldering processes are used for different component types, then each component type can be optimized, but production time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent assembly precisionVSAvoidproduction cycle time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device is designed with pre-configured structural features that enable THT components to be properly positioned and connected during the SMD reflow soldering process. This preliminary design allows both component types to be assembled in one pass, eliminating the need for additional wave soldering steps and reducing production cycle time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 reduces manufacturing costs and time by allowing wired components to be assembled on circuit boards without additional soldering processes, while maintaining mechanical fixation and electrical contact.

Implementation Method 1

The spring action of the leaf spring elements makes it easy to establish a frictional connection and contact.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring action: Spring

Implementation Method 2

The spring action of the leaf spring elements makes it easy to establish a frictional connection and contact.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

electrical contacting of the contact part with the device can be produced or is produced

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3742557A1Smd-capable tht recess
Publication Date: 2020.11.25 SIEMENS SCHWEIZ AG
  • EP3742557A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3742557A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3742557A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Device suitable for a material-bonded connection with a printed circuit board, wherein the device has an opening for receiving a contact part (pin), wherein the opening is limited by leaf spring elements, wherein when receiving the contact part into the opening a force-fit connection of the contact part with the leaf spring elements and an electrical contact of the contact part with the device can be established.