Modular PCB Plug Connector With Reversible Housing Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular plug connectors for circuit boards are too bulky and heavy, making them unsuitable for soldered connections, and lack cost-effective production methods.
Innovation Solution
A modular circuit board plug connector design featuring reversible snap-fit or screw connections between housing parts, allowing for flexible and cost-effective assembly of plug connector modules with integral fixing arms and grooves for secure retention, enabling precise plugging and easy separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a modular plug connector is designed with a folding retaining frame and metal housing, then the connector provides stable retention and structural strength, but the connector becomes too bulky and heavy for circuit board applications
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate functional modules: a housing that retains plug connector modules, and separate retaining mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall weight while maintaining structural integrity through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces heavy, permanent metal housing with lighter plastic housing components that can be easily manufactured and replaced. The housing is designed as a non-critical component that can be economically produced in large quantities, eliminating the need for heavy metal construction while maintaining adequate strength for the application.
2Ease of operation
If a modular plug connector uses a folding retaining frame structure, then the connector provides reversible retention, but the connector becomes too bulky for compact circuit board mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The plug connector modules are nested within the housing structure, with retaining mechanisms integrated into the housing walls. The retaining clips are positioned within recesses in the housing, allowing the modules to be securely held in a compact arrangement without requiring external folding frames or additional space.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using an external folding frame to retain the modules, the patent inverts the approach by integrating retaining mechanisms directly into the housing structure itself. The housing walls contain built-in retaining clips that engage with the modules, eliminating the need for separate retaining components and reducing overall volume.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the housing parts are fixed together permanently, then the connector provides structural stability, but the connector cannot be easily assembled or disassembled for repair or reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between housing parts transitions from static permanent fixation to dynamic reversible fixation. Snap-fit connections allow the housing parts to be easily assembled and disassembled while maintaining stable retention during normal operation. The retaining clips are designed to hold modules firmly during use but can be quickly released when needed for repair or reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is divided into separate parts that can be independently assembled and disassembled. This segmentation allows the housing to be opened for access to the plug connector modules, enabling easy repair, replacement, or reconfiguration while maintaining structural stability when assembled. Each housing part can be manufactured separately and joined through simple connection mechanisms.
4Reliability
If traditional modular plug connectors are designed for soldered connections, then the connector provides reliable electrical connection, but the connector design becomes too heavy and bulky for flexible applications
Solution Approach 1:
The plug connector modules are designed with universal interfaces that can be used in multiple applications and mounting configurations. The modules can be retained in various housing arrangements and connected to different types of circuit boards or devices. This universal design allows the same module to serve in both soldered and non-soldered applications, increasing versatility without sacrificing electrical connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design moves away from permanent soldered connections toward more flexible, easily replaceable connections. The plug connector modules can be inserted and removed without soldering, allowing for easier repair and reconfiguration. This approach accepts slightly reduced permanence in exchange for significantly increased adaptability and ease of maintenance.
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit board plug connector (1) has at least a first housing part (2) and a second housing part (3), which can be joined together to form a connector housing. The circuit board plug connector (1) has at least two similar and/or different connector modules (4, 4′). The connector modules (4, 4′) are held by the joined housing parts (2, 3) in the connector housing for plug-in connection.