Assembly Frame for Printed Board Connector Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assembly aids for printed board connectors are often complex, not removable after assembly, and not versatile enough to accommodate connectors of different dimensions, leading to alignment issues and potential mechanical stresses during soldering.
Innovation Solution
A peripheral rectangular assembly frame with integrally formed intersecting support arms and holding devices on opposing sides, allowing for simultaneous positioning and exact alignment of multiple printed board connectors, which remains on the board until soldering is complete, and includes a protective cover option.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional assembly aids are used to position printed board connectors, then alignment can be achieved, but the assembly aids become complex and cannot be easily removed after soldering
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly frame is divided into separate functional components: the frame structure itself, integrally formed support arms for positioning, and removable holding devices for securing connectors. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity and removability after soldering.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly frame serves multiple functions: it provides the structural base for positioning, the integrally formed support arms ensure precise alignment, and the holding devices secure the connectors during assembly. This multi-functionality in a single integrated structure eliminates the need for multiple separate complex components.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple printed board connectors are positioned separately, then each can be aligned individually, but assembly time increases and positional tolerances worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The support arms are integrally formed onto the assembly frame beforehand, creating pre-positioned alignment references. When connectors are placed on the frame, they automatically achieve precise alignment relative to each other and the printed board, eliminating the need for time-consuming individual adjustment while maintaining tight positional tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple connector positioning functions are merged into a single assembly frame operation. By placing all connectors on the frame simultaneously with the support arms providing unified alignment references, both precision and productivity are improved compared to separate positioning operations.
3Ease of manufacture
If printed board connectors are positioned without support structures, then assembly is simpler, but mechanical stresses cause shearing loads and cracks at soldering points
Solution Approach 1:
The support arms are integrally formed onto the assembly frame to provide pre-positioned mechanical support and stress distribution structures. During the soldering process, these support arms cushion and distribute mechanical stresses, preventing concentrated loads that would cause shearing or cracks at the vulnerable soldering points, while still allowing easy assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
In order to simplify the assembly of printed board connectors, there is provided an assembly aid that features one or more recesses in accordance with the dimensions of the printed board connectors, wherein one or more printed board connectors to be assembled on a printed board can be inserted into said recesses. The contact spacing on the printed board corresponds with the arrangement of the printed board connectors in the assembly aid such that an exact alignment of the printed board connectors is realized. The assembly aid remains on the printed board until the soldering process is completed, wherein this prevents, for example, flotation of SMD components.