PCB Connector Installation Tool with Alignment Post
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tools for installing connectors on printed circuit boards (PCBs) face challenges such as misalignment, damage to connectors, and inefficiency in installing multiple connectors simultaneously, leading to increased processing time and potential improper installations.
Innovation Solution
A circuit board component installation tool featuring a tool head with a surface for a press, a seating member for components, and a post for ensuring proper orientation, allowing for simultaneous installation of multiple connectors and accurate alignment of guide connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual or electric press is used to install connectors, then installation can be performed, but misalignment and damage to connectors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized installation tool as an intermediary between the press and the connector. This tool includes a seating member that holds the connector and an alignment feature that ensures proper positioning. The tool receives pressure from the press and transfers it uniformly to the connector, preventing misalignment and damage that would occur with direct manual or simple automated pressing.
Solution Approach 2:
The installation tool performs preliminary alignment and positioning actions before the actual pressing operation. The seating member is designed to receive and pre-position the connector in the correct orientation, and the alignment feature ensures proper alignment with the PCB footprint before pressure is applied, preventing misalignment issues during installation.
2Productivity
If current installation tools are used, then single connector installation is possible, but processing time increases when multiple connectors need to be installed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple single-connector installation tools into a single multi-position installation tool. The seating member includes multiple seating surfaces that can simultaneously hold and install multiple connectors in different positions on the PCB. This allows operators to install multiple connectors in one operation rather than repeating the installation process for each connector individually, significantly reducing total processing time.
3Reliability
If repeated installation steps are performed for each connector, then individual connector installation can be completed, but chances for improper installation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple connector installation operations into a single unified tool and process. By holding multiple connectors simultaneously in the correct positions and installing them together, the tool ensures consistent quality across all connectors while eliminating the variability and errors that can occur when performing repeated individual installation steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool performs preliminary positioning and alignment of all connectors before installation. The seating member is designed with specific geometries that ensure each connector is pre-positioned in the correct orientation and location. This preliminary action ensures that when pressing occurs, all connectors are installed properly without requiring multiple trial operations, thereby improving both reliability and efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit board component installation tool includes a tool head having a surface receptive of a press; a seating member connected to the tool head and receptive of at least one circuit board component; and a post attached to and extending from a side of the tool head to ensure proper orientation of the tool with respect to the circuit board component or proper orientation of the component with respect to the circuit board.