Offset High-Voltage PCB Plug Contact for Creepage and Vibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical high-voltage circuit board connectors face challenges in meeting stringent requirements for clearance and creepage distances, particularly in high-voltage applications where short creepage distances are problematic compared to clearance distances, and must also withstand vibrations.

Innovation Solution

The design involves a circuit board plug contact device with a laterally offset electrical plug contact element and a conductive connection to the circuit board contact element, allowing for increased creepage distances and flexibility to absorb vibrations, while maintaining secure electrical connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional electrical connector design is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the creepage distance is insufficient for high-voltage applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecreepage distanceVSAvoidconnector structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a laterally offset arrangement between the circuit board contact element and the plug contact element, transitioning from a conventional aligned vertical connection to a staggered configuration. This dimensional change in the spatial arrangement allows the electrical connection to achieve sufficient creepage distance along the lateral direction while maintaining a compact overall structure, effectively resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If clearance distance is increased to meet safety requirements, then safety is improved, but the available space for connector mounting is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclearance distanceVSAvoidmounting space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the lateral dimension to achieve the required clearance distance, rather than increasing the vertical or horizontal spacing that would consume mounting space. By offsetting the contact elements laterally and conducting electricity through this staggered path, the design maintains compact mounting dimensions while satisfying clearance requirements, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and available mounting area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Manufacturing precision

If a rigid fixed connection is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the ability to withstand vibrations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection alignmentVSAvoidvibration resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a resilient element in the plug contact element that allows for controlled elastic deformation. This dynamic characteristic enables the connection to absorb vibration energy and accommodate minor misalignments during operation, while the laterally offset rigid framework maintains proper electrical alignment. The combination resolves the contradiction by allowing manufacturing precision to be maintained while gaining vibration resistance through controlled flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11996641B2Electrical high-voltage circuit board plug contact device and power-electric circuit board connection
Publication Date: 2024.05.28 TE CONNECTIVITY GERMANY GMBH
  • US11996641B2 patent drawing
  • US11996641B2 patent drawing
  • US11996641B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electrical circuit board plug contact device includes an electrical circuit board contact element and an electrical plug contact element formed separately from the electrical circuit board contact element. The electrical plug contact element is laterally offset with respect to the electrical circuit board contact element and an electrically conductive connection is provided between the electrical circuit board contact element and the electrical plug contact element.