Vehicle Lighting PCB Connector Retention Against Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems in motor vehicles face challenges in ensuring secure and reliable electrical connections between connectors and printed circuit boards, particularly due to vibrations, which are difficult to implement and maintain.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device with a support structure featuring an elastic retaining element that exerts pressure on a pluggable connector to secure the electrical connection, using a set of electrical traces on the printed circuit board and a card-edge connector, facilitated by a one-piece plastic support with elastic legs and a stiffening rib for robustness and ease of assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If card-edge connectors are used to provide electrical connection to the printed circuit board, then the lighting system can be assembled with multiple components, but connection reliability deteriorates due to difficulty in ensuring proper contact and vulnerability to vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an elastic retaining element that dynamically adjusts to maintain constant pressure on the connector during assembly and operation. This elastic element compensates for vibrations and thermal expansion, ensuring continuous reliable contact without requiring complex rigid fixation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is pre-configured with the elastic retaining element positioned to automatically engage and secure the connector upon insertion. This preliminary positioning ensures proper alignment and immediate secure connection, eliminating the need for additional adjustment or complex assembly steps.
2Reliability
If the shape of the printed circuit board and connector are designed to work together to maintain connection, then connection reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic retaining element is integrated directly into the support structure as a unified component. This merging of the retaining function into the existing support eliminates the need for separate complex locking mechanisms or additional adjustment devices, maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the elastic properties of the retaining element to change the mechanical parameters of the connection system. The elastic material allows the structure to adapt its shape and stiffness characteristics, providing reliable connection through material properties rather than complex geometric interlocking.
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
The solution provides a secure, vibration-resistant electrical connection that is easy to assemble and maintain, ensuring reliable operation even under vehicle vibrations without additional components, while maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
a support to which the printed circuit board is fixed directly or indirectly, the support comprising an elastic retaining element configured to exert pressure on the second electrical connection means in a direction of connection of the second electrical connection means to the first electrical connection means
Data Source
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a lighting device (1) for a motor vehicle, characterised in that it comprises: - a printed circuit board (5) provided with a first electrical connection means (15); - a wiring harness (6) provided with a second electrical connection means (16); - a support (11) to which the printed circuit board is directly or indirectly attached, the support comprising an elastic retaining element (20) that is configured to apply pressure to the second electrical connection means in a direction (F1) for connecting the second electrical connection means to the first electrical connection means.