Rearview Mirror PCB Connector Biasing for Vibration Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rearview mirror assemblies face issues with maintaining reliable electrical connections between printed circuit boards (PCBs) and electrical connectors due to displacement, vibration, and temperature fluctuations, leading to potential loss of connection and fretting corrosion.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating electrically conductive biasing members between the PCB and electrical connector, which compress or expand to maintain contact and compensate for displacement, thereby ensuring a stable electrical connection. These biasing members are configured as leaf springs, coil springs, or spring-loaded pins, and are integrated with a self-aligning guide member to secure the electrical connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid electrical connections are used between PCB and electrical connector, then structural simplicity is maintained, but connection reliability deteriorates under vibration and displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing rigid electrical connections with flexible biasing members (springs) that can dynamically adapt to vibrations and displacements. The biasing members compress or expand in response to relative movement between the PCB and electrical connector, maintaining continuous electrical contact despite external disturbances, thus resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by utilizing the elastic properties of biasing members to change the mechanical state of the electrical connection. The springs transition between compressed and expanded states in response to displacement, allowing the connection to accommodate varying conditions while maintaining reliability, thereby addressing the contradiction between connection stability and structural complexity.
2Reliability
If rigid electrical connections are used between PCB and electrical connector, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but connection stability under temperature fluctuations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing members provide dynamic adjustment capability that allows the electrical connection to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction. The springs automatically adjust their compression state in response to temperature-induced dimensional changes, maintaining stable electrical contact without requiring complex thermal compensation mechanisms, thus resolving the contradiction between connection stability and manufacturing simplicity.
3Reliability
If rigid electrical connections are used, then structural compactness is maintained, but resistance to fretting corrosion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using biasing members that maintain continuous pressure on the electrical contacts, eliminating micro-gaps that cause fretting corrosion. The springs ensure firm, stable contact between mating surfaces, preventing the relative micro-movements that lead to corrosion, thus resolving the contradiction between corrosion resistance and structural complexity.
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 reliable and stable electrical connection, reduces the risk of fretting corrosion, and minimizes the impact of vibrations and temperature fluctuations, resulting in a more reliable and compact rearview mirror assembly with improved manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one biasing member is configured to compress or expand in response to displacement of the electrical connector. Compression or expansion of the at least one biasing member serves to maintain an electrical connection between the PCB and the electrical connector.
Data Source
AI summary
A rearview mirror assembly is provided herein and includes a printed circuit board (PCB) and an electrical connector electrically coupled to the PCB. The assembly also includes at least one biasing member that is electrically conductive and positioned between and in contact with the PCB and the electrical connector. The at least one biasing member is configured to compress or expand in response to displacement of the electrical connector. Compression or expansion of the at least one biasing member serves to maintain an electrical connection between the PCB and the electrical connector.