PCB Connector Latch Structure for Stable Soldering Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors have insufficient retention force to circuit boards, leading to instability and poor connections during welding due to the insulation housing not being directly fixed, causing conductive terminals to skew.
Innovation Solution
The connector design includes an insulation housing with terminal slots and protruding pins for insertion into circuit board holes, along with an elastic latch that locks into a latch hole on the circuit board, enhancing retention force and ensuring reliable soldering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the insulation housing is not directly fixed to the circuit board, then the device complexity is reduced, but the retention force and stability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two functional parts: the insulation housing containing the conductive terminals, and the separate latch component. The latch can be independently engaged with the circuit board, while the housing remains separate. This segmentation allows the retention function to be provided by the latch without requiring the entire housing to be directly fixed, thus maintaining simplicity while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch acts as an intermediary element between the connector housing and the circuit board. Instead of directly fixing the housing to the board, the latch mediates the connection by engaging with both the housing (or its mounting structure) and the circuit board, providing the necessary retention force while keeping the housing structurally simple.
2Ease of manufacture
If the insulation housing is not directly fixed to the circuit board, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the stability during welding deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The latch is pre-configured on the connector assembly to engage with the circuit board before the welding process begins. This preliminary action of securing the connector to the board ensures that the conductive terminals remain stable and properly positioned during the subsequent welding operation, preventing skewing while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
3Manufacturing precision
If the conductive terminals are press-fitted into terminal slots, then the manufacturing precision is reduced, but the retention force is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The retention function is segmented from the terminal press-fit connection. The conductive terminals are press-fitted into the housing slots (simpler manufacturing), while the latch provides the primary retention force to secure the entire connector assembly to the circuit board. This separation allows each component to be optimized independently.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes an insulation housing formed with a plurality of terminal slots, and a plurality of terminals inserted into the plurality of terminal slots. Each of the plurality of terminals has a pin protruding from a bottom of the insulation housing for insertion into a terminal hole in a circuit board. At least one latch is formed on the insulation housing for insertion and locking into a latch hole defined in the circuit board.