Multi-functional Position Holder for Connector Height and Load Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical connectors require multiple component parts and process steps, including welding, to hold a printed circuit board assembly, determine connector height, and alleviate internal loads during assembly, increasing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A multi-functional position holder integrates the functions of PCB holding, height determination, and load alleviation into a single component, eliminating the need for additional parts and welding by featuring a circular ring body with height-determining flanges and sleeves that stabilize the PCB and distribute loads during the curling process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple component parts (PCB holder, connector plate, load-alleviating plate) are used to satisfy functional requirements, then the connector can hold PCB assembly, determine height, and alleviate internal load, but the number of component parts increases and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the PCB holder, connector plate, and load-alleviating plate into a single integrated position holder component. This position holder simultaneously provides PCB positioning, connector height determination, and internal load alleviation during the curling process, eliminating the need for multiple separate parts while maintaining all required functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The position holder is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple tasks: it holds the PCB assembly in place, determines the height of the connector, and alleviates internal loads during assembly. This universal component replaces three specialized parts with one component that serves all purposes.
2Reliability
If a load-alleviating plate is combined with insulating housing through welding, then internal load is effectively alleviated, but the number of process steps increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load-alleviating function is merged into the position holder component itself, which is then integrated with the insulating housing through a non-welding process. This eliminates the separate load-alleviating plate and its welding operation, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining load alleviation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the welding process with a mechanical integration method. The position holder is designed to be combined with the insulating housing through mechanical means rather than thermal welding, eliminating the welding process step and associated complexity while still providing effective load alleviation.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A single multi-functional position holder (10) of the present invention is positioned in a receiving space (1-1) of a housing (1) to implement multiple functions of: satisfying a limitation on the height of a connector by making contact with an insertion portion (5-2) and a concentric mounting portion (5-3) of a connector assembly (5) assembled through a curling process; increasing durability to absorb an internal load attributable to the curling process, by making tight contact with the housing (1); and preventing shaking of a PCB assembly (3) due to a disturbance by restricting the PCB assembly (3) to hold a PCB, thereby reducing the number of component parts of the connector, the process steps, and the cost. In particular, the multi-functional position holder (10) is fixed in the housing (1) without welding so that it is possible to remove a welding process from an assembling process of the connector.