PCB Connector Extraction Press for Controlled Contact Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for removing electronic connectors from printed circuit board assemblies are inefficient, often requiring multiple steps and manual handling, which can lead to damage to the circuit board and increased risk of injury due to lateral strain and prolonged manipulation time.
Innovation Solution
A method and tooling system that allows for the simultaneous removal of the housing and contacts using a press mechanism with actuable capturing elements, such as barbs, to minimize handling and reduce the risk of damage by applying controlled forces and minimizing torsional movement during extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual removal techniques are used to remove electronic connectors, then the process can be performed with simple tools, but the number of steps increases and the risk of circuit board damage increases due to lateral strain and prolonged manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple removal operations into a single integrated tool that simultaneously removes the housing and all pin contacts in one action. The removal tool integrates features to engage both the plastic housing and metal contacts, eliminating the need for separate manual removal steps and reducing the risk of circuit board damage during prolonged manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a specialized removal tool as an intermediary device between the operator and the connector system. This tool includes features such as a compression element to apply controlled force and a retention element to securely hold the removed components, thereby minimizing lateral strain on the circuit board and reducing manipulation time.
2Productivity
If individual pin contacts are removed using pliers-type tools, then complete removal of contacts can be achieved, but lateral strain occurs during removal which increases the risk of circuit board damage
Solution Approach 1:
The removal tool merges the functionality of removing multiple individual pin contacts into a single simultaneous operation. The tool's design allows all pin contacts to be engaged and removed together with the housing, eliminating the repetitive lateral strain that would occur during sequential manual removal of each contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention element in the removal tool acts as an intermediary that securely holds all pin contacts during extraction, distributing the removal forces evenly and preventing lateral strain on the circuit board while ensuring complete removal of all contacts.
3Ease of repair
If the housing is removed first followed by individual pin removal, then the connector can be disassembled, but the total time and number of steps increase which increases the risk of damaging the circuit board assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the disassembly of the housing and all pin contacts into a single simultaneous operation using the integrated removal tool. This eliminates the need for separate steps to remove the housing first and then individually remove each pin contact, significantly reducing total rework time and minimizing the risk of circuit board damage during prolonged manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The removal tool is designed with pre-configured engagement features that simultaneously engage both the housing and pin contacts before the removal action begins. The compression element is pre-positioned to apply force to the housing while the retention element is pre-positioned to capture all pin contacts, enabling immediate simultaneous removal without sequential steps.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces the number of steps and time required for connector removal, minimizing the risk of circuit board damage and operator injury while ensuring a controlled extraction process.
Implementation Method 1
individual barbs can be actuated in each of mating windows through a cam mechanism of force which allows the barbs to hook/capture internal metal/plastic features in the connector system
Implementation Method 2
pins can elastically deform on insertion and can be rigid on extraction
Data Source
AI summary
A controlled extraction of an electronic connector from an electronic circuit board includes a press mechanism of a device positioned in spaced relation over a base fixture of the device. The base fixture receiving an electronic circuit board which includes a connector. Shafts of a removal tool of the press mechanism can be inserted into a series of openings in the connector, respectively, in response to applying a downward force to the press mechanism. A capturing element on each of the shafts can be actuated where the capturing element couples to a wall defining the opening of each of the openings. The connector can be removed from the electronic circuit board by applying an upward force to the press mechanism which removes the connector with the capturing element of the shafts coupled to the wall of the opening, and releasing the press mechanism from the base fixture.