PCB Clip Pin Assembly for Solder-Free Board Interconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printed circuit board (PCB) assembly processes are time-consuming and require reconfiguration due to material shortages and increased demand, leading to assembly backlogs and higher prices, as they involve soldering of electronic components which is labor-intensive and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A clip pin system for a secondary PCB that removably couples to a primary PCB and a backplate, featuring a bulbous portion and signal pins to transmit signals from the secondary PCB to the primary PCB, allowing for efficient communication without the need for soldering, using screws and threaded inserts for secure coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional soldering processes are used to assemble electronic components on PCBs, then reliable electrical connections are achieved, but assembly time increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional soldering process (thermal/chemical mechanism) with a mechanical clipping system. The clip pin with bulbous portion mechanically engages with the guide pin and inner wall, establishing electrical connections through direct physical contact rather than solder joints. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for soldering while maintaining reliable electrical connectivity between PCB layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the PCB assembly into modular components that can be independently assembled and disconnected. The clip pin system allows secondary PCBs to be removably coupled to primary PCBs, enabling easy separation and reconfiguration. This segmentation facilitates faster assembly and disassembly compared to permanent soldered connections.
2Reliability
If soldering processes are used to assemble PCBs, then stable electrical connections are achieved, but manufacturing time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the time-consuming soldering process with a quick mechanical clipping operation. The clip pin system allows for rapid assembly by simply inserting and securing the clip pin with bulbous portion onto the guide pin, eliminating the prolonged heating and cooling cycles required for soldering while maintaining stable electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The bulbous portion of the clip pin automatically applies outward force to engage signal pins with the inner wall of the clip pin hole, creating self-aligning and self-securing connections. This self-service mechanism ensures reliable electrical contact without requiring precise manual positioning or additional fastening steps, thereby reducing assembly time.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional PCB assembly methods are used, then fixed configurations are achieved, but reconfiguration capability is lost and adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static soldered connections to dynamic removable connections. The clip pin system with bulbous portion allows the secondary PCB to be easily attached and detached from the primary PCB, enabling flexible reconfiguration of system architecture. This dynamic connection method maintains stable operation during use while allowing rapid adaptation when reconfiguration is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip pin design with bulbous portion serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support, establishes electrical connections through signal pins, and enables easy attachment/detachment. This multi-functional design allows the same connection mechanism to serve both stability and adaptability requirements, making the PCB assembly versatile for different configurations.
4Strength
If soldering is used to join PCB components, then permanent connections are achieved, but ease of repair and rework is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection system into removable components (clip pin, guide pin, bulbous portion) that can be independently manipulated. This segmentation allows for easy repair and rework by simply detaching the clip pin from the guide pin, whereas soldered connections would require destructive desoldering processes. The mechanical segmentation maintains strong operational connections while enabling effortless repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the connection function from permanent solder joints to a removable mechanical interface. The clip pin with bulbous portion can be easily extracted from the guide pin and clip pin hole, allowing for simple component replacement and repair operations without the need for specialized soldering equipment or skills.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a clip pin of a secondary printed circuit board removably coupled to a primary printed circuit board and a backplate in an information handling system includes: an open end configured to receive a guide pin of the backplate within a clip pin hole of the primary printed circuit board, the guide pin configured to removably couple to the clip pin via the open end; a bulbous portion disposed proximate to the open end, the guide pin causing the bulbous portion to apply an outward force on an inner wall of the clip pin hole; and a plurality of signal pins disposed within the bulbous portion, the outward force causing the plurality of signal pins to communicably couple to the inner wall to transmit a signal from the secondary printed circuit board to the primary printed circuit board.