U-Shaped Compliant Pin for PCB Mechanical and Electrical Coupling

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for connecting electronic devices on separate circuit boards are costly, prone to failure during assembly or disassembly, and only provide electrical connections without mechanical coupling.

Innovation Solution

A U-shaped pin with metal legs is inserted into holes along the edges of circuit boards, providing both mechanical and electrical connections by using metal-lined through-holes that extend to circuit board traces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If flexible wires with connectors are used to connect circuit boards, then electrical connection is achieved, but mechanical coupling is not provided and the connection is susceptible to failure during assembly or disassembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidconnection structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges electrical connection and mechanical coupling functions into a single integrated connector design. The connector includes both conductive elements for electrical connection and rigid structural components for mechanical coupling, eliminating the need for separate mechanical fasteners and reducing overall system complexity while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing electrical connection through conductive contacts, enabling mechanical coupling through rigid structural engagement, and facilitating easy assembly and disassembly through a unified interface. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making a single component do the work of multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If flexible wires with connectors are used to connect circuit boards, then electrical connection is achieved, but the connection cost is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By combining electrical connection and mechanical coupling into a single integrated connector, the patent reduces the total component count and assembly steps. This integration lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining high reliability, as fewer separate components mean fewer potential failure points and simpler assembly processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If flexible wires with connectors are used to connect circuit boards, then electrical connection is achieved, but mechanical coupling of circuit boards is not provided

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidconnection functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing electrical connection through conductive contacts, enabling mechanical coupling through rigid structural engagement, and facilitating easy assembly and disassembly through a unified interface. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making a single component do the work of multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9554476B2Compliant staple pin for connecting multiple printed circuit boards

Publication Date: 2017.01.24 CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

Circuit boards are mechanically connected to each other by a U-shaped pin, the legs of which are forcibly inserted into holes along edges of the circuit boards. The holes are conventional through-holes having metal linings that are electrically connected to circuit board traces that extend to components on the circuit boards. The U-shaped pin thus electrically connects components on the two circuit boards to each other.