PCB Button Cell Holder for Automatic Top-Side Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing button cell holders on printed circuit boards are not suitable for fully automatic mounting, as they require manual insertion and are not adaptable for button cells of different heights, limiting their reliability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A holder design with protruding latching arms and lugs that allow for easy manual or automated insertion of button cells of varying heights, featuring a main body connected to the printed circuit board, and incorporating electrically conductive sheet-metal latching arms and a ring-like main body for secure electrical contact and mechanical retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a button cell holder is designed with a U-shaped bracket and holding arms that push onto the button cell, then the button cell can be securely held on the printed circuit board, but the button cell cannot be automatically inserted as it requires manual parallel insertion
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of pushing the button cell parallel to the PCB as in conventional designs, the invention inverts the insertion approach by allowing perpendicular insertion from the top side. The holding arms are positioned to engage with the button cell's outer diameter during perpendicular insertion, enabling automatic mounting while maintaining secure retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding arms are designed with elastic properties, allowing them to flex dynamically during perpendicular insertion and then snap into position to securely hold the button cell. This dynamic behavior enables both automatic insertion and reliable retention without requiring complex mechanical structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional holder design is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate button cells of different heights
Solution Approach 1:
The holding arms are designed to perform multiple functions: they guide the button cell during perpendicular insertion, engage with the button cell's outer diameter to prevent lateral movement, and provide electrical contact. This multi-functionality allows the same simple structure to accommodate button cells of various heights without requiring additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic properties and positioning of the holding arms are optimized to adapt to different button cell heights. The arms can flex to accommodate varying heights while maintaining secure engagement, allowing a single holder design to work with multiple button cell specifications without structural modifications.
3Productivity
If manual insertion methods are used, then the holder structure can be simple, but the production efficiency and cost-effectiveness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The holder design enables self-alignment during automatic perpendicular insertion. The holding arms are positioned to automatically engage with the button cell's outer diameter as it is inserted, eliminating the need for complex alignment mechanisms or manual positioning. This self-service capability allows simple manufacturing while achieving high automatic mounting efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a holder for a button cell, wherein the holder is intended to be fastened on a printed circuit board, wherein the holder has at least two first latching arms which protrude from the printed circuit board when the holder is in the mounted state, wherein the button cell is received between the first latching arms when the button cell is in the mounted state, wherein the first latching arms, at one end, are each connected to a main body which has a base area which is connected to the printed circuit board when the holder is in the mounted state, wherein the first latching arms each have at least one first latching lug in order to hold the button cell on the printed circuit board, and wherein the first latching lugs are arranged at a first distance from the base area of the main body.